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Sources close to misconduct investigation say there is uncertainty as to whether the conclusion will be made public
Giovanni Pernice wants a swift BBC decision on the Strictly Come Dancing misconduct allegations so he can move on with his career, The Telegraph understands.
The Italian dancer, 33, has been accused of abusive behaviour in training sessions with former celebrity dance partners including the actress Amanda Abbington.
It is understood that the dancer’s team is eagerly awaiting the result of a BBC review so Pernice, who has been adamant he will clear his name, can move on from the controversy “as soon as possible”.
The dancer and his accusers continue to wait for the conclusion of the investigation, which insiders believe may be available this week.
Sources close to the investigation said that there was uncertainty as to whether the BBC’s conclusion would be made public, or if it would simply be shared with the legal teams of those involved in the dispute.
Laura Whitmore, the 39-year-old TV presenter, last week posted a string of messages on Instagram stating that she warned the BBC about Pernice’s alleged behaviour early on during her spell on Strictly.
This followed Abbington, 50, giving an emotional interview on ITV’s Lorraine on July 25, in which she said of her alleged treatment: “It was inappropriate; it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying. I put up with it for five weeks, six weeks.
“It started early on and when it started to happen, I would shut down because I would recognise those red flags.”
Pernice’s team hopes that recordings of a training session with Abbington will help to clear his name.
It was reported that in the audio clip recording, Abbington can be heard apologising for being a “nightmare”, and the pair end their exchange by saying “love you”.
The BBC invited both parties to submit evidence as the broadcaster investigated claims made by Abbington.
The actress partnered with Pernice in 2023 but quit the show early. Early in 2024, she claimed to have been diagnosed with “mild PTSD” following her experiences.
She went on to accuse Pernice of being abusive, and alleged that she had suffered “humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature”. She made clear that she was not a victim of sexual harassment.
Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, has commented on the ongoing row, saying at the launch of the broadcaster’s annual report that he was “very sorry that anyone has had an experience that hasn’t been wholly positive”.
He added: “That’s something we do need to reflect on and I’m sorry about that.
“There are clearly learnings specifically about oversight in the training rooms that we had needed to address.”
Despite quitting Strictly earlier this year amid allegations of misconduct, Pernice has had no shortage of work and has been on a nationwide tour with Anton du Beke, his former Strictly colleague.
The Sicilian has also held popular Ballando dance classes in central London, some of which have been supported by Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood, the Strictly judges, even as accusations hang over the dancer.
Taking to Instagram, the star shared images of recent classes, which he wrote had “sold out”.
Some rumours had circulated that ITV were looking at Pernice as a potential participant in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! to capitalise on his popularity. However, sources have moved to dismiss these as rumours with no foundation.