Amanda Abbington 'to sue BBC' after six of her Strictly Giovanni Pernice complaints upheld

Amanda Abbington is considering taking legal action against the BBC for loss of earnings and damages after it released the findings of its investigation into allegations of bullying by Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice, it is reported

Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who stepped back from the BBC One show last year for "personal reasons," has claimed that she faced a "toxic environment" marked by "inappropriate, mean, and nasty bullying."

Giovanni Pernice was cleared of threatening and abusive claims by the BBC after an investigation into complaints made against him. On Monday, September, 30, the BBC released a statement regarding the allegations and issued an apology to Amanda.

The BBC apologised to Amanda after it "upheld some, but not all" of her complaints about the Italian during their time on the show. In all, six from 17 were upheld. The report found evidence of "inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace", including an incident where Pernice made a lewd gesture, breaching BBC guidelines.

Responding to the BBC's statement, Amanda said coming forward "was not an easy thing to do".The BBC stated: "Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.

"It is a great shame if this hasn't been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show. We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do."

A source close to Amanda said: "Amanda is delighted and relieved, and feels her decision to speak out and complain has been rewarded. She hopes other celebrities might come forward now, safe in the knowledge they, too, will be listened to."

"Amanda has been through hell and lost work as a result of going public, and is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings. Amanda suffered enormously, got formally diagnosed with PTSD, and feels the BBC breached its duty of care guidelines by not protecting her sooner," reports The Sun.

Giovanni's spokesman said: "We are pleased this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour. Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."

Since quitting Strictly back in May, Giovanni has now got a new job on Dancing With The Stars in Italy with partner Bianca Guaccero. Sources believe he could now be cleared to make a shock return to Strictly - though those close to him say he has also been left "burned" by his experience, according to The Sun.

One friend added: "Giovanni feels he was thrown to the wolves, and is very bruised by some of the claims made by previous partners against him.He has always maintained his innocence so right now the thought of going back to Strictly seems outlandish.

"Only four allegations against him were upheld for bullying, plus two sexual complaints, but he feels there was context to these, and he was only ever joking. Not to belittle Amanda's experience, which is valid, but Giovanni feels like he could have been supported better too."