Amanda Abbingdon said she had been accused of “being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable'” since complaining about Giovanni Pernice, and had received multiple threats against her and her family.
Actress Amanda Abbingdon has called a BBC apology over complaints of bullying on Strictly Come Dancing a “vindication”.
A BBC investigation into Abbingdon’s claims “upheld some, but not all” of her complaints about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour during her time on Strictly.
The Sherlock actress, who left the BBC One show last year for “personal reasons”, later claimed she had been subjected to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean and disgusting bullying”.
The 50-year-old actress said in a statement: “In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I have been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and “crazy and unstable”.
“I have also received rape and death threats and have had bomb threats sent to my workplace. My family and children have been threatened and intimidated.
“Despite this vile abuse I have never regretted coming forward and today’s apology from the BBC is vindication of my complaint. It is not only vindication to me but also to others who have contacted me since my allegations to express concerns about their experience on Strictly Come Dancing.
“I hope that those who have felt they cannot speak up will now have confidence that their views will be heard and believed.”
She said she would consider whether to meet with BBC management and expressed hope the BBC would “make the changes it has committed to”.
In a statement summarising its findings, the broadcaster said: “We are pleased to be able to complete our investigation.
“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show so it’s natural to expect very high standards. The competition can be tough, demanding and demanding, but we ultimately want the show to be a fun and transformative experience. It would be a great shame if this was not the case for everyone who appeared on the show.
“We have considered the complaints and upheld some, but not all, of them. We would like to apologise and thank Amanda Abbington for coming forward and we know this has not been easy.”
At the time Strictly’s production team said they “understood the issues and had taken steps to resolve them”, but the company acknowledged that this “ultimately was not enough”.
In addition to Mr Abingdon, the BBC also thanked “a number of people” who are said to have assisted in the preparation of the report.
They then listed a range of new due diligence measures that had been introduced to protect contestants, including the presence of production team members in training and rehearsals, two newly created production roles (Celebrity Welfare Producer and Professional Dancer Welfare Producer), and additional training for professional dancers, production team and staff.
The BBC say15 training room observers now observe all rehearsals (including breaks, warm-ups and rest periods) and complete daily training logs which form part of newly created “weekly welfare meetings”.
In addition, they say there is also a “pre-series psychological review”, workshops on the culture and expected behaviour of the show and a formal exit interview for all outgoing contestants.