BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington over Strictly verbal bullying by Giovanni Pernice, but he is cleared of physical aggression

“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.

“It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.”

Abbington added that the BBC had invited her to meet with senior management and that she would be considering this.

“This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were “not enough”.

“What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.”

A source close to Pernice said: “Gio is pleased that this has been thrown out after what has been a torrid nine months or so for him.

“From the outset, Giovanni has rejected any claims of threatening or abusive behaviour.

“While it appreciates that the BBC has likely decided to uphold some allegations to avoid the accusations of a ‘whitewash’ – they’ve upheld the weakest allegations put to him.'”

The BBC announced a string of new measures in July, include introducing chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, as well as including two new welfare producers on the show

Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed that Pernice would not return to the Strictly professional line-up for the new series.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing launched on BBC One earlier this month.

Pernice has now joined his native Italy’s talent dance show, Ballando con le Stelle.