Amanda Abbington angered by 'highly offensive' BBC Strictly line of questioning in fresh investigation twist

Months later, she's claimed to have raised concerns about Pernice's behaviour after a matter of days and accused the Italian dancer of "abusive and threatening" conduct.

Speaking to Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Channel 4, Abbington also claimed there was one instance of "humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature" by Pernice.

The saga resulted in Pernice's exit from the show, an investigation into pro dancers' conduct and fellow star Graziano Di Prima was sacked for "kicking" his 2023 partner Zara McDermott.

Pernice has vehemently refuted all of Abbington's claims and has said he is cooperating fully with the BBC investigation.

However, in a fresh twist in the saga, Abbington is believed to have taken issue with the reported suggestion by those involved in the investigation as to whether comments made by Pernice could be perceived as "banter".

The revelations were reported after Abbington was said to have been asked to discuss for a second time an explicit video shared by Pernice during their time working together.

The Sun reports that Pernice made a lewd remark about another celeb contestant once the video was shared.

A source told the publication after Abbington was called back to discuss the incident: "The probe team have considered if it was offensive to Amanda.

"The BBC can’t ignore the fact the video was sent. There seems to be a trail of evidence.

"Even if it is established the footage was shared with innocent intentions, the BBC are concerned this could constitute a breach of conduct according to the contract handed to the pro dancers."

The source alleged: "Amanda was effectively asked whether Gio meant the comments as light-hearted banter.

"She found this line of questioning highly offensive."

A BBC spokesperson told GB News: "As we have said before, we will not be commenting on individuals or engaging in speculation.”

The quotes come just weeks after Abbington returned to the limelight and TV screens to detail what she claims to have experienced behind the scenes.

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She previously told The Sun: "I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit and let him do that to others."

Since the complaints were made public knowledge, several other Strictly stars have been scrutinised for their previous conduct on the show.

And another of Pernice's former partners, Laura Whitmore, also spoke out to show her support for Abbington and alleged "inappropriate behaviour" when she took part.

She said on Instagram: "I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I've since learned I was wrong.

"The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop.

"I am not looking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won't happen to anyone else again."