Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington today claimed vindication after the findings of a report into alleged bullying and abuse by her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice.
Ms Abbington, 50, accused the Italian dancer, 34, of cruel and mean treatment and made a variety of claims about alleged inappropriate behaviour.
The BBC today apologised to Ms Abbington and said its previous measures had not been enough to address the issues raised.
But bosses also cleared Mr Pernice on 11 out of 17 allegations which claimed aggressive, threatening and sexually inappropriate conduct.
It follows a six-month probe triggered by Ms Abbingtons shock exit in week five of the 2023 series, citing personal issues. Now the publication of the outcome reveals more details of exactly what the allegations against the dancer were.
The report investigating what went on during training has been completed and is ready to be published early next week, a source said
In one interview, Ms Abbington, 50, compared the dance show to the trenches and claimed BBC producers had been left horrified by clips that allegedly exhibited humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature
The exact details of the allegations against Mr Pernice, and which were upheld, have not been published - but it was previously reported Ms Abbington had accused him of bullying her during training sessions.
In an interview earlier this year, the actress said she had been left horrified after watching clips of rehearsals that allegedly exhibited humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature.
She also compared the experience to the trenches and claimed she was sent an inappropriate video via WhatsApp.
But the BBC did not find that Mr Pernice had engaged in any inappropriate sexual behaviour.
It did highlight two instances of sexual banter it judged to be inappropriate in the workplace, but added they were judged as jokes and compliments of Ms Abbington dancing, received by her in a consensual, two-way manner of interacting.
Ms Abbington also reportedly alleged her professional dancing partner had stepped on her toe during rehearsals - but it is understood the investigation found no evidence of physical abuse or aggression.
Despite this the corporation issued a public apology to Ms Abbington after its probe found a number of instances of verbal bullying and harassment.
The BBC did not find that Mr Pernice had engaged in any inappropriate sexual behaviour
Some of the six allegations proven involved Mr Pernice using swear words during training and several instances in which he is said to have used belittling language.
The BBC also agreed with Ms Abbington that at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.
The review into Abbingtons complaints about Pernice was launched earlier this year.
Pernice, who is not part of this years Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined an Italian dance show, Ballando con le Stelle, always rejected the allegations.
The BBC said on Monday: We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.
We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.
At the time, although the production team took steps to address the issues as they understood them, ultimately these were not enough.
This is why the measures we have taken to further strengthen our existing protocols are so important.
A written statement from Abbington said it was not an easy thing to do to come forward, and she has been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being mad and unstable and that she and her children had been threatened.
Abbington said: Despite this vile abuse, Ive never regretted coming forward, and todays apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.
Mr Pernice, who is not part of this years Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined an Italian dance show, Ballando con le Stelle, always rejected the allegations against him
Ms Abbington left the show after just five weeks during the 2023 series
Its not just a vindication for me, its a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.
I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.
She added that she is considering meeting senior management, after this was offered to her.
Abbington also said: This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were not enough.
What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes theyve promised, to ensure others dont experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.
Meanwhile in a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni Pernice said: We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.
Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.
A source close to Italian star Mr Pernice said: Gio is pleased that this has been thrown out after what has been a torrid nine months or so for him.
From the outset, Giovanni has rejected any claims of threatening or abusive behaviour. While he appreciates that the BBC has likely decided to uphold some allegations to avoid the accusations of a whitewash – theyve upheld the weakest allegations put to him.
Sources have told MailOnline Ms Abbingtons bullying claims amounted to Giovanni swearing at her and not giving her enough feedback during their rehearsal sessions which took place last autumn. She also claimed that her partner stepped on her toe.
One said: Giovanni has never tried to say he isnt a hard taskmaster but he isnt a bully and no evidence of that was found.
It was an evidence based investigation and there was simply no evidence to back up what she was saying about Giovanni. He denied it all along and he has now been exonerated.