Strictly bullying report to be released after start of new series
The BBC’s report into bullying allegations on Strictly Come Dancing will only be released once the new series is under way, The Telegraph understands.
The corporation has been conducting an investigation into claims made by Amanda Abbington, a contestant on last year’s show, against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.
Pernice left the show but strenuously denies the allegations and is said to be confident that his name will be cleared.
The BBC had been widely expected to publish the review findings before this Saturday’s launch show.
However, the scandal will continue to hang over the new series, which celebrates the show’s 20th anniversary. BBC insiders said that the review process is ongoing.
Strictly bosses will be hoping that viewers’ interest in the new batch of contestants, who include former footballer Paul Merson, TV presenter Nick Knowles and Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek, will detract from the findings when they are eventually published.
BBC sources insisted that there is no deliberate delay.
An insider said: “There has been endless speculation and none of it rooted in facts. We have always said that when there is something to say, we will say it. That remains the case and any other characterisation is wrong.”
Abbington has told friends that she expects the report to be a “whitewash”, with one quoted in The Sun as saying: “As well as the probe taking so long, it feels like they are protecting Giovanni to save themselves and ignoring not only her experience but that of other women who’ve bravely come forward.
“Amanda feels tired, upset and very angry with the way it’s all been handled.
“She is worried there will be a predictable whitewash and others will, once again, suffer from aggression and abuse.”
Abbington withdrew from last year’s series, citing a medical issue. In interviews earlier this year, the Sherlock actress alleged that Pernice’s behaviour towards her during rehearsals was “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”.
Pernice has called the accusations “simply false” and said he rejects “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”.
He added: “I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”
Pernice has since signed up as a dancer on the Italian version of the show.
Another professional, Graziano Di Prima, also left the show following allegations of his behaviour towards partner Zara McDermott. He admitted to kicking her in “an isolated incident” which he “deeply regrets and apologised for at the time”.
The BBC has introduced new duty-of-care measures in response to the allegations, including chaperones who will be present in the rehearsal rooms.
The scandal does not appear to have dented viewers’ affection for Strictly, as it was named the best talent show at Wednesday’s National Television Awards, which are chosen by the public.
Tess Daly, the Strictly co-host, thanked fans for the “wonderful gift”. Her presenting partner, Claudia Winkleman, also praised the team behind the programme and the “brilliant” celebrities taking part, and said of the award: “This means everything.”
Asked about the report, a BBC spokesman said: “As we have said before, we will not be commenting on matters relating to individuals nor engaging in speculation.”
