Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington is set to speak out about her experience on the dance contest – in another blow for the BBC.
The broadcaster apologised to the former contestant after a review into the actor’s complaints against Giovanni Pernice was concluded.
In a statement, the BBC said it had upheld “some, but not all” of the complaints made against the professional dancer.
There were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.
Now Amanda is expected to sign up to a major broadcaster to “speak her truth” after months of being doubted.
A source close to the star told Express Online: “Amanda has been inundated with offers to do a TV interview about her time on Strictly.
“She’s considering everything and is very likely to sign up so that she can speak her truth and get some closure with the whole ordeal.
“It’s been a very difficult time for her. Despite speaking up, she’s been hounded by people who didn’t believe her. But now that she’s been vindicated, she’s happy to go through exactly what happened, so that it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
6 of the 17 allegations Amanda made were upheld by the BBC.
In a statement the BBC said: “We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.
“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience. It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show.
“We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”
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The BBC said that although it “took steps to address the issues as they understood them” at the time, “ultimately these were not enough”, and added that it had since introduced “important” extra duty of care measures, including chaperones in all rehearsal rooms and two new welfare producers.
In a written statement, Amanda said: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.
“In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’. I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work. My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.
“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint. It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.”
There has also been reports that Amanda could sue over loss of earnings and damages.
A source told the Sun: “It’s hard to put a figure on how much she could expect if things go her way, but it could be up to £300,000.’
Giovanni, 34, said he was ‘relieved’ following the end of the probe, stating: ‘I’m glad the review has finally come to an end.
“I loved my time on Strictly and made some amazing memories. But now I am fully focused on Dancing With The Stars in Italy and supporting my dance partner Bianca.
“‘I’m grateful to all those who have supported me at this time – I really don’t know how I would have got through this with out the love and belief of my family, friends, colleagues and fans.”