.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp)
BBC executives are reportedly scrambling to conclude the investigation into Giovanni Pernice's alleged misconduct before the new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off in just two weeks.
The professional dancer, 33, was partnered with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington for the 2023 season, but she unexpectedly exited the competition just five weeks in.
The actress, 50, has made several accusations against Pernice, claiming his teaching methods were "unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean." Pernice has strongly denied all allegations.
According to The Sun, the investigation is nearing its conclusion and the network is racing to finalise the probe ahead of Strictly's premiere on September 14, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
A source told the publication: “The BBC is under huge pressure to get this probe done and dusted before September 14 when the new series kicks off.
“It's a ticking time bomb to get it done in time while not leaving any stone unturned. All evidence has been reviewed, and it is looking like we are now days away from an announcement.
“Clearly the BBC are desperate to draw a line under all this and move on. But whatever the verdict it is clear there will be more questions for the corporation to answer and potentially even more historical complaints.”
The Sun also reported that both contestants and BBC staff have created a WhatsApp group in anticipation of the upcoming announcement.
There are also concerns that additional individuals may come forward with their own experiences once the investigation's findings are made public.
The Standard has contacted a BBC spokesperson for comment.
Last month, a TV insider told The Standard that the results of the investigation weren’t “imminent” after reports they were. The source said that there was no date in sight when fans would learn of the findings.
The controversy first came to light in January when Abbington accused her Strictly partner Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in.
Abbington previously claimed there are 50 hours of video footage – from cameras she alleges were installed after she raised concerns during her first week – which Pernice “doesn’t want anyone to see” but have been reviewed by the BBC.
Pernice has vehemently denied the claims. A spokesman for the dancer previously said: “We are co-operating 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. We will continue to respect the integrity of the investigation and believe it is the right forum for all the evidence to be reviewed.
“As part of the evidence-led review, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to substantiate with us. They do not resemble Amanda’s latest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any shape or form.
“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.
“We would urge people to wait for the review’s conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.”
In July professional dancer Graziano Di Prima left the show after allegations about his treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott in 2023.
Paralympian Will Bayley also revealed he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump during Strictly rehearsals in 2019, and claimed he was shown “no duty of care”.
In August, the broadcaster announced new measures to “strengthen welfare and support” on the show, including a chaperone who would be present during training room rehearsals “at all times”.
