BBC bosses delay plans to announce Strictly Come Dancing probe results: 'Biggest nightmare'
The BBC are planning to delay the announcement of the Strictly probe findings
BBC
BBC bosses are planning to delay the announcement of the findings of their Strictly Come Dancing bullying probe until next week at the earliest, GB News has learned.
It means corporation chiefs now face their "biggest nightmare," going into Saturday night's 2024 launch show with the inquiry hanging like a "black cloud" over the new series, which celebrates its 20th anniversary.
A BBC source said executives remain in "crisis mode" over claims made by Amanda Abbington, 52.
The former Sherlock actress has lodged allegations of "misconduct" relating to her time on he show dancing with Giovanni Pernice, 34 - claims he vehemently denies.
The insider said: “The BBC had hoped to announce the findings of their investigation by now. They wanted to try and begin the process of removing the black cloud hanging over the show before the first episode of the new series.
“But in the last few days it’s become clear this isn’t possible so now they face their biggest nightmare of having to kick off the new series with the row still rumbling on.
The BBC are planning to delay the announcement of the Strictly probe findings
PA
"The BBC is in panic mode over all of this, and knows that whatever they announce will be heavily scrutinised.
"Despite months of work and investigation, there are still questions which remain to be answered. So, unless they somehow get to the bottom of things quickly, there will be no announcement until next week at the earliest."
Our story comes a day after former contestant Debbie McGee told GB News she’d given evidence as part of the Strictly probe.
McGee, 65, a former Strictly partner of Giovanni, is one of several former stars to offer evidence to the inquiry team.
Speaking to Martin Daubney yesterday she said: "I had the most amazing time. Giovanni was my partner, and it's still a life changing experience. And at that time in my life as well, it was a year after Paul, my late husband, had died.
Debbie McGee danced alongside Giovanni Pernice in Strictly Come Dancing 2017
PA
“It was a tough, tough time, and it just totally brought me out of all my grief. And everyone on the programme is just so lovely, and it's like a big family.
“And my experience of Giovanni, I know other people have said they've had a different experience, but mine was he really looked after me in my grief, and we had a great time. Great memories.
“I'm sure that they will do [the investigation] very thoroughly, and the fact that it's taking quite a long time, is that they're really going into it to make sure they make the right decision at the end of it.
“And I think lots of people will be invited to give their experience of Strictly, so I just hope at the end of the day I don't want anyone to be bullied, I'm really against all of that, but we are all different.
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Debbie McGee revealed she had talked to BBC bosses as part of the investigation
BBC
“People can react differently to different circumstances, or you just don't have a chemistry with somebody that somebody else might have a chemistry.
“So I don't know what went on, but I'm sure that they will go into it in a lot of depth before making any decisions.
“I don't know if I'm allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation].
“So I you know, it's all very secret, and I'm sure everybody else who's ever danced with him and people that have worked alongside him would have been asked to give evidence to so I just hope it all turns out well for all parties.”