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BBC's Strictly Come Dancing investigation report 'to be released this week'

BBC's Strictly Come Dancing investigation report 'to be released this week'
© BBC
The BBC reportedly plans to publish its report into alleged bullying behind-the-scenes at Strictly Come Dancing this week.

The BBC is reportedly planning to publish its report into alleged bullying behind-the-scenes at Strictly Come Dancing this week.

Earlier this year pro dancer Giovanni Pernice departed the show following accusations from former celeb partner Amanda Abbington about his treatment of her during training sessions - all claims which he denied.

Graziano Di Prima was then dropped from the pro lineup too after it emerged that his former partner, Zara McDermott, had admitted that he had kicked her during one of their training sessions.

Since then the BBC has ensured that chaperones are present during training, while it also launched an internal investigation into the production of the show, inviting former contestants and dancers to come forward with any evidence which could prove useful.

According to The Sun, the final report from the investigation is now with senior executives, who plan to release it in the coming days.

"The BBC plans to update all sides on the outcome of the review early next week," a source told the newspaper.

"The process has taken longer than many in the Corporation wanted, but there's reasons for that.

"Timing has also been very difficult for the Beeb. They're still reeling from the fallout of the Huw Edwards scandal so they didn't want to be juggling two major crises at the same time. But they now feel in a position to announce what they've decided."

The insider continued: "The BBC will make a statement on the findings but a lot of the report is likely to remain private and will only be sent to Amanda, Giovanni and their legal teams.

"Executives hope it will draw a line under the matter but, in reality, it's very unlikely that it will do that.

"Whatever the outcome, neither Giovanni nor Amanda are likely to be happy so the BBC are bracing themselves for potential appeals.

"Amanda and Giovanni have very well-paid lawyers who will study every cough and spit of the report before advising them on what to do next. The BBC could be dealing with this for months and months."

The show - the BBC's top-rated entertainment format - returned for a new series last weekend and is now on air until the end of the year.

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Written by
Neil Wilkes

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