Strictly Come Dancing producers will face investigation following the bullying claims from 2023 star Amanda Abbington after she was paired with professional Giovanni Pernice.
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly on edge over the possibility of facing backlash amidst an ongoing bullying investigation.
The inquiry initially centred on Amanda Abbington’s allegations against Giovanni Pernice, but has now expanded to scrutinise the response of the show’s staff and whether any red flags were ignored.
A source revealed: “The probe will look at whether producers heeded the warnings that someone may have been struggling and what was done about it.
“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.”
Amanda was called in for a second interview by investigators last week, who also requested further messages.
Her spokeswoman stated: “Amanda shared additional messages at the request of the BBC. She has fully cooperated with the review and will continue to do so.”
While it was initially believed the messages pertained to her exchanges with Giovanni, sources close to the dancer maintain all communication between them was appropriate, with no incriminating evidence found.
Giovanni has denied all accusations of bullying levelled against him.
The Mirror reports that the messages in question involve “third parties” and would not be known to Giovanni.
This development comes after Krishnan Guru-Murthy’s revelation last week that he had voiced concerns regarding Amanda’s experience on Strictly to the BBC.
Amanda received an invitation to speak publicly following a series of interviews, including one with Krishnan, who highlighted Amanda’s struggles disclosed in a group WhatsApp chat.
Guru-Murthy conveyed his own steps in raising the alarm to show producers about her well-being.
Highlighting his part, the broadcaster said: “I set up a chat on WhatsApp I think on our first day when we all met and it was very lively and we all shared our experiences of Strictly and afterwards. And it was full of ‘This is difficult’, ‘This is a nightmare’ and all the rest of it.
“We would share our trials and tribulations and Amanda did as well.”
He explained further: “So, yes there were messages that she posted that made it very clear that she was struggling and having a very hard time,” while admitting that the strain was collective amongst the contestants.
“We were all having a hard time, you know, because it’s tough, but it was different in terms of what she was saying.”
Guru-Murthy also mentioned his concerns and actions at the time, saying: “I did speak to people at the time about the fact that I was worried about Amanda and that they should speak to her. And they reassured me that they were in close contact with her.”
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
