The BBC Strictly investigation into the conduct of its professional dancers has taken yet another shocking twist after it emerged hours of footage capturing Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice’s rehearsals has been deleted.
The latest shocking development in the saga risks leaving the BBC open to claims of a “cover-up” as the corporation prepares to announce the findings of a review into the scandal that has rocked Strictly Come Dancing.
Corporation bosses agreed to film training sessions between the former Sherlock actress and her Italian dance partner after she raised concerns a few days into her time on the BBC One show.
After she quit the programme, Abbington raised an official complaint with the Beeb and earlier this week claimed she was texting producers her concerns from as soon as three days into her stint.
Abbington has claimed the footage will prove a series of devastating claims she has made against Pernice and even alleged that the Italian dancer was "blocking" the release of videos to her lawyer amid the investigation.
Pernice has vehemently denied any claims of "threatening or abusive" behaviour and refuted Abbington's latest claims.
BBC Strictly: Amanda has alleged that footage recorded from training with support her claims
BBC
Now, a report by The Sun has emerged which claims that hours of this footage have been deleted and will never see the light of day.
However, the report stated that the deleted footage would not have formed part of the BBC's review.
Today, a TV source close to the probe confirmed this development to GB News and claimed it risks rendering the entire investigation as “fundamentally flawed”.
They told GB News: “This development, that hours of recorded footage has been deleted, changes everything.
BBC Strictly: Giovanni Pernice has denied any claims of "threatening or abusive" behaviour
BBC
“It throws up so many questions. Why was the footage deleted? And who decided to delete it?”
Despite this, GB News understands the BBC is still planning to announce the decision of its review within days.
A BBC insider also told the People's Channel: "They want this done and dusted by next week so they can move on and focus on the new series.
"They are confident that even without some of the footage they’ve gathered enough evidence from everyone involved to make a balanced decision on the complaint. But, at the same time, there are many within the BBC who are holding their head in their hands over this footage being deleted.
"It doesn’t look good and they know whatever they announce there will be claims of a cover-up and that this could see the crisis deepen and rumble on even longer."
A spokesperson for Abbington declined to comment.
A BBC spokesperson told GB News: "Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on individuals.
"However, when issues are raised with us we always take them extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage this. As we have said before, we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
BBC Strictly: The rehearsal footage that has been deleted is believed not to have been part of the investigation
BBC
"More generally, the BBC and BBC Studios take duty of care extremely seriously. Our processes on Strictly Come Dancing are updated every year, they are kept under constant review, and last week we announced additional steps to further strengthen welfare and support on the show.”
The latest twist in the tale comes on a weekend when a handful of former Strictly stars who've been dragged into the saga have spoken out.
Laura Whitmore, who was paired with Pernice in 2016, dropped a bombshell statement in which she alleged "inappropriate behaviour" during her stint.
She also alleged six other complainants had been interviewed by the BBC as part of the investigation.
Elsewhere, Laila Rouass released a statement about the misconduct claims facing Anton Du Beke, but this time, she was keen to defend the dancer-turned-judge.
