Strictly bosses 'brace for criticism amid bullying probe as investigation now looks at whether concerns on show were adequately escalated'
- Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected]
Strictly bosses are reportedly worried that they could face criticism as part of the bullying probe which is currently underway.
An investigation was launched after several celebrities including Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott sparked abuse and bullying scandals on the family show.
And now as the report is understood to be nearing its completion, the probe is looking further than just Sherlock actress Amanda's claims against pro Giovanni Pernice.
The probe is also looking at how staff dealt with the situation and whether concerns were adequately escalated, reports The Mirror.
A source told the publication: 'The probe will look at whether producers heeded the warnings that someone may have been struggling and what was done about it.
![Strictly bosses are reportedly worried that they could face criticism as part of the bullying probe which is currently underway (Amanda Abbington seen)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/13/23/88497627-13740683-image-a-132_1723588294905.jpg)
Strictly bosses are reportedly worried that they could face criticism as part of the bullying probe which is currently underway (Amanda Abbington seen)
![An investigation was launched after several celebrities including Amanda Abbington (seen) and Zara McDermott sparked abuse and bullying scandals on the family show](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/13/23/88497777-13740683-An_investigation_was_launched_after_several_celebrities_includin-m-134_1723588325141.jpg)
An investigation was launched after several celebrities including Amanda Abbington (seen) and Zara McDermott sparked abuse and bullying scandals on the family show
'It's difficult to see how the BBC can emerge from this without any blame whatsoever but time will tell. There are always learnings from things like this.'
The BBC has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
It comes after it was reported that Amanda recently handed over more texts with fresh revelations over Giovanni's behaviour on Strictly.
It has been claimed the dramatic intervention has thrown the BBC investigation into professional Giovanni's behaviour into chaos and has 'changed the course of the probe'.
It was thought at the time they related to messages between her and Giovanni.
But The Mirror is now claiming that it relates to messages between her and 'third parties' and that Giovanni 'would be unaware of the contents'.
It came after her co-star on the show Krishnan Guru-Murthy said he set up a WhatsApp group for the cohort where people would share their struggles in training.
The Sun reported earlier this week that Amanda has come forward with new bombshell messages just as the probe was about to conclude which reportedly show that Giovanni did 'step over the line of what is acceptable'.
![And now as the report is understood to be nearing its completion, the probe is looking further than just Sherlock actress Amanda's claims against pro Giovanni Pernice](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/13/23/88487173-13740683-She_has_made_a_series_of_accusations_about_her_pro_Giovanni_Pern-a-135_1723588377801.jpg)
And now as the report is understood to be nearing its completion, the probe is looking further than just Sherlock actress Amanda's claims against pro Giovanni Pernice
![The probe is also looking at how staff dealt with the situation and whether concerns were adequately escalated, reports The Mirror](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/13/23/88497911-13740683-image-a-137_1723588806068.jpg)
The probe is also looking at how staff dealt with the situation and whether concerns were adequately escalated, reports The Mirror
![Pro Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the upcoming series over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's competition](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/13/23/87611615-13740683-Pro_Graziano_Di_Prima_30_was_axed_from_the_upcoming_series_over_-a-136_1723588702901.jpg)
Pro Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the upcoming series over reports he verbally and physically abused his celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during last year's competition
![BBC Director General Tim Davie is seen](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/13/23/87611613-13740683-BBC_Director_General_Tim_Davie_is_reportedly_set_to_be_dragged_i-a-138_1723588825984.jpg)
BBC Director General Tim Davie is seen
A source has told the publication of the new disclosures: 'The investigation is set to conclude this week but it has been made more difficult by the new disclosure from Amanda.
'It has turned the course of the probe. It seemed Giovanni would be cleared but this new information has changed everything again.
'Giovanni, it seems now, did appear to step over the line of what is acceptable for a BBC representative but more discussions need to be had.
'Every time they seem to reach a conclusion, something else gets thrown in that throws the investigation in a new direction.'
The BBC has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
It came after earlier this week Amanda was reportedly questioned by BBC bosses for a second time about 'crude comments' she claimed were made by Giovanni.
She is said to have been quizzed via video call last week as she sat down with two ex-Met detectives to discuss her allegations about the professional dancer, 33.
They reportedly discussed claims of sexual comments during rehearsals, as well as 'new evidence'. Giovanni has denied all allegations made against him.
MailOnline contacted representatives for Amanda, Giovanni, and The BBC for comment.
Amanda has made a series of accusations about Giovanni's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies all of the claims.
In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'.
In another, where she spoke to Christine Lampard on Lorraine, she said: 'It was inappropriate, it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying and I put up with it for five, six weeks.
'It started very early on and when it started to happen I would shut down because I recognised those red flags.
'And so I would shut down and it would be difficult to get in, and that would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.'
Talking about her schedule on the show, she said: 'I was going into the rehearsal room every day. I've been in rehearsal rooms for 32 years.
'I know what rehearsal rooms are supposed to be like.
'I don't care what background you're from – whether it's dancing, acting, singing – you have a duty of care to bring into that rehearsal room compassion, understanding, sensitivity and kindness.
'And that wasn't extended to me (at Strictly). And so I just said I don't think this is right.'
The update came just after police visited the home of Amanda, as an investigation into a chilling death threat sent to the actress continues.
Met detectives were alerted on Friday afternoon to a threatening email sent to the north London theatre where Amanda is performing.
The actress is starring in new play When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in Finsbury.
The frightening email warned 'she should be prepared to die onstage' unless she withdrew her complaint about former Strictly partner Giovanni.
Park Theatre quickly alerted the force who are taking the threat 'very seriously' and are working to 'unmask' the person who sent it.
The Sherlock actress has now been interviewed by officers twice and her home she shares with fiancé Jonathan Goodwin was visited by police.
Although the Met Police have not formally identified anyone involved in the investigation, a spokesman confirmed that officers were called to a theatre in Finsbury Park 'following receipt of an alleged malicious communication.'
The spokesman continued: 'There have been no arrests, enquiries are ongoing.'
![In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/11/23/87600029-13733619-Amanda_abruptly_left_the_BBC_show_citing_personal_issues_and_has-a-94_1723413876631.jpg)
In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'
![Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda and two other former celebrity partners (pictured in June)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/11/23/87554931-13733619-Giovanni_33_was_suspended_while_a_BBC_probe_is_underway_over_all-a-95_1723413888100.jpg)
Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda and two other former celebrity partners (pictured in June)
A source close to the investigation told MailOnline: 'Specialist officers have been looking at the email closely over the last 72 hours, and now believe they are close to identifying where it was sent from.
'They are liaising with another force on this now. This, in turn, they hope will go on to lead them to the person behind the threat.
'Officers have told Amanda they will do all they can to find out who the person is behind the email.
'They are treating it as a very serious and very credible threat and want to unmask the person behind it.'