THE BBC has reportedly forked out a “six figure sum” to delve fully into actress Amanda Abbington’s claims against former show partner Giovanni Pernice.
The broadcaster’s alleged huge cash spend comes just hours after The Sun revealed Giovanni’s shock phone call to his 2023 Strictly partner mid-way through the probe.
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His contact – initiated on a mobile phone – cropped up after the BBC investigation team were attempting to find missing footage of the pair’s Strictly rehearsals.
Giovanni, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.
His exit came as he is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners – claims he strongly denies.
Now MailOnline has reported how more than £250,000 has been spent on the investigation.
The publication claims this has included paying for two ex Metropolitan Police officers who have investigated celebrities, staff and professionals past and present for testimonies.
They payments are also said to have paid the wages of external staff, including HR staff.
A source told the publication of the “nightmare” financial scenario and said: “‘An enormous amount of money and time has been spent on this, making sure that the right calls are taken at all times.
“But that has meant getting outsiders in to look at evidence and there is a huge cost on that.
“It has gone on for months now, and there are various lawyers involved, it is a financial headache and the costs are going to keep going up until the inquiry is finished.
“Even then it is likely there will be payouts. It’s a nightmare.”
A spokesperson for Strictly declined to comment.
Previously, Sherlock star Amanda told the Lorraine show she had flagged concerns about the Italian’s conduct on the very first week.
The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Additionally, show judge Anton Du Beke is also facing a legal probe over a historic row with former celebrity partner Laila Rouass, 53, and what has been dubbed “1970s behaviour.”
Meanwhile, The Sun reported this weekend how there had been a delay in revealing the outcome of the initial probe.
Amanda – who claims Giovanni was “abusive, cruel and mean” during their practice sessions – told us she was “shocked” to see his name flash up on screen during a phone call.
The matter — around the time pro Graziano was sacked — was reported to investigators.
They are said to be close to revealing their findings, but were delayed by new evidence.
An insider told us today: “Giovanni tried to call Amanda a few weeks ago. Nobody knows why.
“They’ve not spoken since she quit the show, so for him to call out of the blue, especially with an inquiry taking place, is very odd.
“Amanda didn’t want to speak to him and blocked his number. She wants nothing to do with Giovanni.
“She told her team of the incident and they passed on the information to the BBC executives heading up the inquiry. Giovanni hasn’t been in touch since.”
Another source close to the BBC added: “Strictly producers want to try to move on from this.
“The longer all this drags out, the worse the impact will be on this year’s 20th anniversary series. The Gio inquiry is a black cloud hanging over it.”
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