Amanda Abbington is reportedly considering taking further legal action against Giovanni Pernice after the professional dancer allegedly refused to release her rehearsal videos.
Although the former Strictly star has denied the allegations against him, Amanda’s lawyers believe the tapes will support allegations of misconduct against the dancer as the BBC continues to investigate.
Sun It has been revealed that Strictly insiders were wondering “what he had to hide” after he is said to have blocked the publication of training pictures with Amanda.
A source told the publication: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes. The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to obtain their consent but they refused.
‘Amanda’s legal team are now considering lodging an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to gain access to the evidence as they believe it is vital to support her claims.
Stricly’s Giovanni Pernice has reportedly been hit with fresh legal action from Amanda Abbington after MORE complaints emerged following claims of misconduct.
The Sun has revealed that Strictly cast members were left wondering “what he had to hide” after he allegedly blocked the publication of training pictures with Amanda.
‘He claims the allegations are false, while she insists they will validate every one of his complaints. To be clear, the BBC is reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously, but leaking them would implicate information, so they are in an unenviable position.’
MailOnline has contacted the BBC and representatives for Giovanni for comment.
The latest legal development comes after it was revealed that the allegations are now… was expanded after more complaints surrounding the hit show.
Sources told the Mail that the allegations prompted bosses to widen the investigation to look into other matters and individuals involved with the dance series as it prepares for its 20th anniversary.
It means Giovanni, who has already made his frustrations about the investigation clear, faces an even longer wait for a result after Amanda, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh came forward to complain about their dance partner.
The investigation also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC’s biggest Saturday night hit since The Generation Game.
A TV source told the Mail: ‘This investigation is no longer just about Giovanni, but concerns wider issues as well. The show has been running for 20 years and the whole look of Strictly is so glossy and charming that of course there will always be people who feel wronged.
‘Amanda’s complaints have started something massive, they have opened the door for others to come forward and express things they are not happy with.
‘It’s a huge headache for the BBC, which is about to celebrate a major milestone: its 20th anniversary.
A source told the publication: “Amanda and her legal team asked for access to the tapes. The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to obtain their consent but they refused.”
It means Giovanni, who has already made his frustrations about the investigation clear, faces an even longer wait for a result after Amanda, Laura Whitmore (pictured) and Ranvir Singh came forward to complain about his dance partner.
Sources told the Mail that the allegations prompted bosses to widen the investigation to look into other matters and people involved in the dance series as it prepares for its 20th anniversary.
Ranvir Singh and Giovanni during the dress rehearsal of Strictly Come Dancing 2020
‘The complaint against Giovanni has already been a big enough problem, but now it seems there is more to examine and analyze.’
Sources close to Giovanni say he fully expects to be exonerated.
Insiders also say the expanded investigation will now paint Giovanni as possibly a “minor fish” in Strictly’s potential downfall.
In May it was revealed that Amanda had hired London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.
The BBC has previously declined to comment on the matter but confirmed in a statement that more than one complaint had been made.
Last week it was revealed that an online call had been made for anyone involved with the show at any time over the past two decades to come forward and speak to the BBC if they had experienced any bad behaviour.
In an article posted on The TV Mindset, a social media forum for television industry workers, one anonymous member insisted: “It is important to hear as many accounts as possible from other people who were treated inappropriately, had complaints or potentially identified others who were treated inappropriately.”
The chaos surrounding the show is said to have been exemplified by the surprise announcement on Monday that former fan favourite, dancer Aljaz Skorjanec (pictured), would be returning to the show after a two-year absence.
“This is essential to support Amanda’s case, as well as anyone else’s. Ultimately, it is also a way to support all self-employed workers and the sector as a whole, by standing up to these types of practices.”
The chaos now surrounding the show is said to be exemplified by the surprise announcement on Monday that former fan-favorite dancer Aljaz Skorjanec would be returning to the show after a two-year absence.
This comes a month after the Corporation announced the full line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series.
Some within the programme have questioned why he was not featured alongside the other professionals, particularly as the BBC left fans waiting some weeks after Pernice’s departure before releasing the final list.
Insiders also pointed out that the press was not given any notice, but that the announcement was made on the BBC magazine programme, The One Show, on Monday night.
A source said: ‘Usually when something like this happens the BBC alerts the wider media but this time the first person to find out about it was a chat with Aljaz on The One Show and then it was quietly posted in the BBC press centre at 7.30pm the same day.
‘That meant the announcement was in line with the narrative the BBC wanted, there were no questions asked about why they were revealing it now.’
A BBC spokesman said last night of the widening investigation: “We recently issued a statement urging the media not to speculate on complaints relating to a high-profile programme and that position remains the same.”