BBC/PAAmanda Abbington says she found her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice accused of “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and malicious” behavior.
The actress, who withdrew from the series last year in October, told The sun is shining on Sunday he feared backlash if he complained and said the BBC had known about Pernice’s behavior for years.
A spokesman for Pernice said he denies the allegations and denies any allegations of violent or threatening behavior.
The BBC would not comment on the latest claims, but has previously said it has robust treatment procedures in place.
Strictly already in the midst of controversy following complaints about former dancers Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
It has been widely reported that Sherlock star Abbington is having difficulties with his dance partner Pernice.
In an interview on Sunday, Abbington said: “I find Giovanni’s behavior unnecessary, violent, cruel and disrespectful. I can’t sit back and let him do it to other people.
“I have to think long and hard about making a complaint because I know the backlash I will get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going to that event.”
He said whatever happened in the training room was “on video”, adding: “I have no problem with anyone watching.”
Abbington said he felt the training room should be a “safe space”, with a “duty of care and kindness”.
“That virtue was not given to me in this work,” he said.
He said he wanted to complain because he didn’t think it was fair.
“It’s crazy what has happened to me, with death threats and backlash,” he added.
He claimed concerns about Pernice’s alleged conduct had been flagged to producers in the past and “nothing was done”.
“It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never have danced with him.”
Last month, it was announced that Pernice would not be returning to Strictly for this year’s series.
In a statement given to BBC News, a spokesman for Pernice said: “The BBC has shared the allegations from the investigation with Giovanni, who has co-operated fully. None of the allegations made in the Sun on Sunday were included in any way shape or form.
“Giovanni denies the allegations and denies any allegations of violent or threatening behavior.
“He has provided substantial evidence to the investigation, and he remains confident that he will clear his name.”
The BBC said it does not comment on specific matters relating to individuals.
He urged people not to indulge in “speculation”, adding: “Anyone with a complaint has the right to confidentiality and a fair process. There is a case to be answered, and, if appropriate, what action to take.”
“This is all in the context of the BBC having a duty of care to everyone in relation to complaints – that applies to those who raise complaints and those who have complained.”
Separate, The Sunday Mirror carried the allegations to an unnamed female professional dancer on the show.
The newspaper said the unnamed male contestant complained the dancer screamed in his face in anger. He was said to be critical of senior staff for not supporting him and after he quit the show.
The male contestant claimed that they argued every day and that the dancer “looked red, off camera” if he didn’t master his routine, according to the newspaper.
In response to this story, the BBC said it would not comment on individuals or speculate.
“However, as I have said before, we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it directly with us and we have appropriate procedures and processes to manage this.”
The second former Strictly dancer at the center of controversy so far is Di Prima.
On Tuesday, TV presenter Zara McDermott – who was paired with Di Prima on last year’s show – posted a statement saying she was involved in an incident in the Strictly rehearsal room which she now finds “extremely distressing” to watch again.
Two days later, the spokesperson Di Prima confirmed star kicked McDermott once during rehearsals last year, which resulted in her being removed from the show.
Di Prima said he deeply regretted “the incident that led to my departure from Strictly”.
Following McDermott’s revelation earlier this week, the company announced it would be putting chaperones on all training in the future.
There will also be two special welfare producers, as part of the extra measure.
