Broadcaster says it takes any allegations of bullying and harassment ‘very seriously’ as it publishes long-awaited report

Giovanni Pernice has spoken out for the first time since the BBC revealed the results of an investigation into Strictly Come Dancing. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Strictly was at the centre of an internal probe following complaints made about Giovanni’s alleged conduct by his former celebrity dance partner Amanda Abbington.

Abbington suddenly quit Strictly five episodes into the 2023 series, citing medical reasons. Her allegations against Pernice, whom she has branded “nasty”, first surfaced in January 2024, and she has repeatedly accused him of misconduct in the rehearsal room.