BBC fear '£1million legal bill' as further Strictly Come Dancing claims 'expected' over 'duty of care breaches'
Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into further chaos over the past few weeks
BBC/Getty
The BBC is reportedly anticipating a "£1million legal bill" as claims continue to flood in about "misconduct" allegations on its flagship show, Strictly Come Dancing.
The annual competition series has been plunged into chaos since last year's celebrity contestant, Amanda Abbington, accused her dance partner Giovanni Pernice of "abusive" behaviour.
She made a swift exit half way though last year's show, deciding to leave for "medical reasons". It was later reported the actress, 52, had been diagnosed with PTSD following her time on the show.
After further claims were made against 33-year-old Pernice by Abbington and other former dance partners, the Italian dancer left the show.
Just last week, Strictly was at the centre of more shocking allegations as Pernice's fellow Strictly professional, Graziano Di Prima, was axed over behaviour which came to light as a result of the ongoing probe.
It's also been reported a third unnamed star of the show, who is no longer in the series, has been highlighted as a "person of interest," and on Friday it was revealed judge Anton Du Beke could be dragged into the investigation over a historic complaint.
Graziano Di Prima was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing last week over the BBC probe
BBC
With the show at the centre of the chaotic storm, it's understood more claims are feared to be coming to light and the BBC are reportedly concerned about a £1million personal injury bill.
A source has claimed a number of other celebrities who have featured in the popular dance show are preparing to make claims about physical or mental health harm, as well as loss of earnings.
Speaking to The Sun, an insider commented: "More and more stars are coming forward with grievances, and they have been advised there are significant grounds for personal injury claims."
They went on to say the BBC would be "vicariously liable for actions taken by its employees."
The BBC probe into Strictly Come Dancing came after Amanda Abbington made claims about Giovanni Pernice
BBC
They added: "They say they have lost work, and worry the BBC especially will deem them untouchable."
It was also claimed doctors' notes and photographic evidence of injuries have reportedly been handed over to lawyers.
The insider concluded: "If successful — and at the moment there certainly appears to be serious evidence for duty of care breaches - the BBC could well be forced to pay out well over £1million."
The BBC declined to comment on the reports when approached by GB News.
Earlier in the week, the broadcaster announced it would be making changes to the series, including the introduction of chaperones.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The BBC announced Strictly Come Dancing would be introducing new measures as a result of the investigation
BBC
A spokesperson for the corporation stated: "Going forward, we will have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew."
Kate Phillips, the BBC's director of unscripted, said in a report by the broadcaster: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
"Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals.
"The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."