Live Strictly Come Dancing updates as BBC makes apology for bullying

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington has received an apology from the BBC following a report of allegations of bullying. The report also cleared professional dancer Giovani Pernice of the most serious allegations he faced.

The BBC says while complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, but claims of physical aggression were not.

Amanda quit Strictly part-way through the series last year claiming Pernice had been "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean" during rehearsals. He strongly denied "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour" but was not brought back for this year's series.

An investigation had been underway for four months following claims by Amanda Abbington that Giovanni bullied her during their training sessions. Amanda criticised his teaching methods and labelled his behaviour as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. The dancer, who has gone on to star in the Italian version of the show, has vehemently denied all the allegations.