Strictly crisis deepens as Giovanni Pernice hit by fresh legal action from Amanda Abbington in ‘BBC’s worst nightmare’
STRICTLY star Amanda Abbington is considering fresh legal action after Giovanni Pernice refused to release their rehearsal videos.
Her lawyers believe the tapes will support misconduct accusations against the pro dancer, who the BBC continues to investigate.
Giovanni, 33, denies the claims against him.
However Strictly insiders wondered “what he had to hide” when he blocked the release of training footage with Ms Abbington, 50.
A source said: “Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes.
“The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused.
“Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.
“He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate every one of her grievances. To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously. But there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.”
It is understood the BBC is close to gathering all its evidence over Giovanni, whose training methods with his celeb partners have sparked accusations of gross misconduct.
We can reveal two non-celebs, including a choreographer, have also come forward.
The Sun has also learned the BBC may be asked to hand over any media briefings — as part of “disclosure bundles”.
The inquiry has also been forced to look into separate matters involving other individuals, it was claimed yesterday.
Giovanni quit after nine years following complaints by Ms Abbington, who left the show early last year.
Meanwhile, head judge Shirley Ballas is under pressure to stop discussing the case.
A source said: “The BBC have been clear nobody should comment on this case while it’s ongoing. Yet Shirley has repeatedly expressed what she thinks in interviews. It’s causing a great deal of distress to the alleged victims, who have respected the BBC’s request to not make any comments.”
Amanda and Gio declined to comment.
