The BBC fear their report could open a floodgate of complaints

AMANDA Abbington is in a rage with BBC bosses over fears their Giovanni Pernice bullying probe will be a “whitewash”.

The report has been completed and is ready to be published within days.

Amanda Abbington is fuming with the BBC amid fears the probe into Giovanni Pernice will be a ‘whitewash’Credit: Ray Collins

The smiles hide the ordeal Amanda says she suffered at the hands of Strictly pro GiovanniCredit: PA
A friend of Amanda said: “She’s deeply disappointed with the BBC. She thinks it feels like such a boys’ club.

“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.”

A separate source told The Sun on Sunday that during the inquiry Amanda was asked again about an explicit video Giovanni shared with her.

The source said: “In their very first interview with Amanda, investigators told her that they fully believed her account of events.”

But the source added Amanda now feels as if investigators, and others at the BBC, doubt at least some of her complaints.

Corporation chiefs hope to announce the results before the new Strictly series kicks off on Saturday.

A BBC source said: “The investigation is done and dusted now.

“The team are just finalising a few points then they will announce the findings within days.

“Dozens of witnesses have been spoken to, including many of Giovanni’s former dance partners.

“All were contacted to see if they wanted to provide information and many now have.

“Giovanni and Amanda have both made it clear to investigators they also just want to hear the results so that will now happen very shortly.

“Producers are desperate that the new series can kick off without the shadow of this investigation hanging over the programme.”

But we can also reveal there is a fear within the BBC the report could open the floodgates to new claims against the flagship show.

A friend of Amanda
The insider added: “The BBC are bracing themselves for the possibility that, whatever they announce, their findings could be challenged and appealed, not just by Amanda.

“They are also preparing themselves for the possibility that former contestants and staffers could complain.

“This could include claims for compensation that end up costing the corporation a fortune.”

Amanda quit last October, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.

She is being advised by lawyers with a view to lodging a claim for loss of earnings.

The BBC are braced for their findings to be challenged by Amanda, and potentially others tooCredit: Pixel8000
The inquiry has heard she suffered a bruised foot at rehearsals, that Giovanni grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners while making lewd comments, and a phone was thrown across the room.

TV presenter Laura ­Whitmore, 39, who danced with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed that she complained to the BBC eight years ago about his inappropriate behaviour.

She said she and six other people had spoken to BBC investigators probing Amanda’s complaint.

Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh is understood to have complained about her treatment by partner Giovanni in the 2020 series.

This June it was revealed that Giovanni — who denies any wrongdoing — would not be returning to Strictly.

Yesterday he announced he was joining the Italian version, Ballando con le Stelle.

He said: “I’m excited because finally I’m back on the dancefloor and hopefully I’ll create some new magic. I’m very happy.”

The BBC declined to comment on the probe last night.