Amanda Abbington says trolls sent a bomb threat to her work over bullying allegations

Actress Amanda Abbington has revealed the extend of the sick threats she was subjected to in the wake of the bullying allegations against Giovanni Pernice.

The former Strictly Come Dancing pro has broken his silence after the results of the BBC investigation confirmed he did not "behave inappropriately" with his dance partners. Months of waiting for the outcome of the probe had come to an end and bosses have ruled that the Italian dancer was not abusive, threatening or intimidating.

While the BBC apologised to Amanda saying it had assessed and upheld “some, but not all, of the complaints made”, they ruled that there was no aggressive or physical conduct by the Italian and following the conclusion of the process, Amanda has revealed a lengthy statement.

She detailed the sickening threats she has faced and in a lengthy statement and says her family were also put in the firing line following last year's series which she quit and went on to question Giovanni's teaching methods and described his behaviour as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean" and in one interview.

Now Amanda has spoken again to address the findings. She said: "As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice's conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.

"In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I've been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being "mad and unstable. I've also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work. My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.

"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. The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering. 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."

Giovanni, in one of his statements, released in July, told fans that he has "always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour," adding at the time: "I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth."

Amid the controversy, the BBC announced that same month that it was introducing "additional steps to strengthen welfare and support" on the show moving forward. They are said to include now having a production team member present in training room rehearsals "at all times".

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