Giovanni could return to Strictly next year
Strictly Come Dancing star could return to next year’s show following the ‘s ‘cop out’ report, according to .
The 75-year-old actor had previously said that complaints made by celebrities against the professional dancers were “rubbish” because the show is “very, very, difficult”.
And now, after the Beeb apologised to but only upheld 6 of her 17 allegations against Giovanni, Biggins says: “I hope that he will come back next year to the series. I think it should be possible.
“I’ve met him, he’s very charismatic, he’s very good, he’s one of the better professional dancers and if he doesn’t come back, it’s a great shame.”
In a statement, the said it had upheld “some, but not all” of the complaints made against the professional dancer.
There were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.
Biggins blasted the report insisting it is a “cop out” and aimed at “pacifying” both parties.
He told Express Online: “It was an interesting result because it was about pacifying both parties. That’s exactly what it is.
“It was a cop out on both sides just to make everyone happy.
“I wouldn’t be very happy with that result because I don’t think you are completely vindicated. It leaves it exactly as it was.”
Amanda said that Giovanni’s behaviour was “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean”.
Biggins has been asked to go on Strictly many times but always turned it down because it’s too difficult.
And he believes that the situation between Giovanni and Amanda will “never be resolved”.
He continued: “We’ll never know the truth because the aren’t going to say one thing and he’s not going to say something else.
“I seriously believe that he [Giovanni] was very competitive and he wanted to win and perhaps she didn’t want to win as much. I can’t believe that he ever hit her.
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The said that although it “took steps to address the issues as they understood them” at the time, “ultimately these were not enough”, and added that it had since introduced “important” extra duty of care measures, including chaperones in all rehearsal rooms and two new welfare producers.
In a written statement, Amanda said: “As the 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 , 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 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 . I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.”
There has also been reports that Amanda could sue over loss of earnings and damages.
A source told the Sun: “It’s hard to put a figure on how much she could expect if things go her way, but it could be up to £300,000.’Giovanni, 34, said he was ‘relieved’ following the end of the probe, stating: ‘I’m glad the review has finally come to an end.
“‘The majority of the allegations have been thrown out by the review. It has been an extremely difficult year, reading story after story and not being able to say anything in return as I respected the integrity of the review, which the asked everyone to do.
“I loved my time on Strictly and made some amazing memories. But now I am fully focused on Dancing With The Stars in Italy and supporting my dance partner Bianca.
“‘I’m grateful to all those who have supported me at this time – I really don’t know how I would have got through this with out the love and belief of my family, friends, colleagues and fans.”