Amanda Abbington is reportedly considering new legal action against Giovanni Pernice after the professional dancer refused to release their rehearsal videos.
Although the former Strictly star denies the allegations against him, Amanda’s lawyers believe the tapes will support allegations of misconduct against the dancer as the BBC continues its investigation.
The sun have revealed that Strictly insiders were left wondering ‘what he had to hide’ after he reportedly blocked the publication of training footage with Amanda.
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 get their permission but they refused.
‘Amanda’s legal team are now considering an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office for access to the evidence, which they believe is essential to support her claims.
Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice has reportedly been hit with fresh legal action from Amanda Abbington after MORE complaints emerged following allegations of misconduct
The Sun has revealed that Strictly insiders were left wondering ‘what he had to hide’ after he reportedly blocked the release of training footage with Amanda
‘He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will validate all her grievances. To be clear, the BBC is watching the tapes and taking them very seriously. But there are data implications for them having been leaked at some point, so they are in an unenviable position.’
MailOnline has reached out to both the BBC and Giovanni’s representatives for comment.
The latest legal development comes after it was revealed that the allegations have now been grew after more complaints about the hit series surfaced.
Sources have told the Mail that the allegations have prompted bosses to widen the investigation to look into other matters and people involved in the dance series as the organisation prepares to mark its 20th anniversary.
That means Giovanni, who has previously voiced his frustrations about the investigation, will have to wait even longer for the outcome, after Amanda, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh all came forward to complain about their dance partners.
The investigation also threatens to damage Strictly, the BBC’s biggest Saturday night hit since The Generation Game.
A television source told the Mail: “This investigation is no longer just about Giovanni, but about other, wider issues. The show has been on for 20 years and the whole façade of Strictly is so sparkly and lovely, of course there will always be people who feel aggrieved.
‘Amanda’s complaints have set something big in motion. It has opened the door for others to come forward with things they are not happy with.
‘It is a huge headache for the BBC, which will soon celebrate a major milestone with 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 get their permission but they refused.
That means Giovanni, who has already made his frustrations with the investigation known, will have to wait even longer for an outcome after Amanda, Laura Whitmore (pictured) and Ranvir Singh all came forward to complain about their dance partners.
Sources have told the Mail that the allegations have prompted bosses to widen the investigation to look into other matters and individuals involved in the dance series as it prepares for its 20th anniversary.
Ranvir Singh and Giovanni during the dress rehearsal for Strictly Come Dancing 2020
‘Giovanni’s complaint was already a big problem, but now it seems that more research and investigation is needed.’
Sources close to Giovanni say he is confident he will be acquitted.
Insiders also say the extensive investigation may paint Giovanni as a ‘small fish’ in Strictly’s potential demise.
In May it was revealed that Amanda had hired London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.
The BBC previously declined to comment on the matter, but confirmed in a statement that more than one complaint had been made.
Last week it was announced that an online appeal had been put out for anyone involved with the show over the past twenty years to come forward and speak to the BBC if they had experienced any inappropriate behaviour.
An anonymous member wrote on The TV Mindset, a social media forum for television industry workers: “It is important to hear as many stories as possible from others who have been treated inappropriately, had complaints, or can potentially identify others who have been treated inappropriately.
The chaos surrounding the show was reportedly marked 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 crucial to supporting Amanda’s cause, and potentially someone else’s. It is also ultimately to support all freelancers and the industry as a whole by standing up to such practices.”
The chaos now surrounding the show is reportedly marked by the surprise announcement on Monday that former fan favorite dancer Aljaz Skorjanec would be returning to the show after a two-year absence.
It comes a month after the broadcaster announced the full line-up of professional dancers for the next series.
Some within the show questioned why he was not revealed along with the other professionals, especially as the BBC made fans wait several weeks after Mr Pernice’s departure before publishing the final list.
Insiders also noted that the press had not been informed. Instead, the announcement was made on the BBC’s own magazine programme, The One Show, on Monday night.
A source said: ‘Normally the BBC alerts the media when something like this happens, but this time the first anyone knew about it was a conversation with Aljaz on The One Show and then it was quietly broadcast in the BBC press centre at 7.30pm that same day.
‘That meant the announcement was consistent with the story the BBC wanted to tell. No questions were asked about why it was being revealed now.’
A BBC spokesman said last night of the wide-ranging investigation: ‘We recently issued a statement urging the media not to speculate on complaints relating to a high-profile show and that position remains the same.’