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PROBE IN CHAOS
Major update in Strictly scandal after Amanda Abbington hands BBC new texts with fresh revelations over Gio’s behaviour
Sources said the probe did not paint actress Amanda in a good light either
THE probe into ex-Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice has been thrown into chaos after Amanda Abbington handed in more bombshell messages.
The BBC investigation was expected to conclude this week until a dramatic intervention from actress Amanda, who quit the show last year.
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Giovanni was on the brink of being cleared by investigators until Amanda handed in more text messages, sources said last night.
They claim further revelations were discussed last week during a meeting with two police officers conducting the probe into the dancer's behaviour on the BBC show.
A source said: “It has turned the course of the probe.”
The latest disclosures appear to show that Giovanni's conduct fell short of what is expected from the Strictly pros.
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However, insiders said the probe did not paint actress Amanda — who quit the show early last year — in a good light either.
A source said: “The investigation is set to conclude this week but it has been made more difficult by the new disclosure from Amanda.
“It has turned the course of the probe. It seemed Giovanni would be cleared but this new information has changed everything again.
“Giovanni, it seems now, did appear to step over the line of what is acceptable for a BBC representative but more discussions need to be had.
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“Every time they seem to reach a conclusion, something else gets thrown in that throws the investigation in a new direction.”
It comes after Amanda, 50, launched a complaint against Giovanni, accusing him of being “abusive, cruel and mean”.
The dancer, 33, who quit the BBC show after nine years in May, has denied any wrongdoing.
It is believed six people were spoken to during the probe, including Laura Whitmore, Giovanni’s dance partner in 2016.
Strictly’s Amanda Abbington raised the alarm over Giovanni Pernice to the entire cast, co-star reveals
The former Love Island presenter has also alleged inappropriate behaviour and told how she raised concerns at the time.
She said last month: “I am not looking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.”
Insiders said the investigation was due to conclude at the end of this week, with those involved to be handed the findings. It may now extend into next week.
Our source added: “This has been a very complicated investigation. And with Amanda handing over new information it has been drawn out and delayed again.
“The findings will be laid out to the people involved but it’s likely a simple statement will be made by the BBC to the public.”
Amid the investigation, fellow Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the BBC for gross misconduct after it emerged he kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott last year.
The Sun went on to reveal how the BBC received two complaints about him but they were swept aside.
Amanda told The Sun on Sunday last month that she had been sent death threats after speaking out, but wanted to prevent future contestants suffering.
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'Cruel and mean'
She said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
"I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.”
She has also called for the release of rehearsal footage, but says Giovanni has “blocked” it.
A spokesperson for Giovanni refuted the allegation and said: “Giovanni has not seen or blocked the video footage which belongs to the BBC.
“Gio has chosen not to receive it to preserve the integrity of the review.
“The BBC has shared the allegations and there are none, nor any evidence, that resemble Amanda Abbington’s numerous and variable allegations.”
The Sherlock star, who said she suffered from PTSD after her Strictly stint, added: “It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash.
“I know the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done.
"It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him. I know what is on those tapes and I’m not frightened of those tapes being seen. It goes way beyond treading on my toe.
Giovanni, it seems now, did appear to step over the line of what is acceptable for a BBC representative but more discussions need to be had
A source
“I know what happened and the fact he is blocking the tapes says a lot.”
This year’s line-up features the fewest women in its 20-year history – with insiders blaming the bullying allegations.
It will feature nine men and just six women — while previously there was a 50/50 split.
A TV insider said: “It’s hard to see how the ongoing controversy over bullying could not have affected the recruitment process.”
A spokesperson for Giovanni said last night: “We are cooperating fully with the BBC’s review process. All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.
“Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.”
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The BBC added: “We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.”
Amanda’s representatives would not comment.
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Fans still backing show in TV vote
Exclusive by Felicity Cross, Deputy TV Editor
STRICTLY Come Dancing is in the frame for a National Television Award thanks to viewers’ votes.
The scandal-hit show has brought in chaperones after allegations against former pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
But it has still received enough votes to make the NTA shortlist for best talent show award.
A TV source said: “This is the clearest sign yet that the British public just want the sparkle and shine of Strictly back.
“Despite months of worrying claims, thousands have still named it their favourite talent show in the industry’s biggest awards. It’s a real show of support and will bring the BBC deep relief.”
Strictly’s celebrity line-up for its upcoming 20th anniversary series includes singer Toyah Willcox and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean.
Arsenal football great Paul Merson and DIY SOS host Nick Knowles are also lined up.
The NTA shortlists will be officially confirmed on August 20, ahead of the ceremony on September 11.
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