BBC apologises to Abbington over Strictly as Pernice cleared of abuse claims

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice is “relieved” that he has been cleared of claims that he was physically aggressive towards his former partner Amanda Abbington, as the BBC apologised to her, saying it had “upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made”.

Sherlock actress Abbington, who pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing “personal reasons”, later claimed she was subjected to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”.

A spokeswoman for Pernice welcomed the review, saying they are “pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni”.