BBC bosses are said to be “incandescent with rage” after Amanda Abbington’s explosive interview on her Strictly experience.

The actress broke down in tears as she told of suffering “humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature” at the hands of Giovanni Pernice.

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Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice in happier timesCredit: BBC

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The Sherlock actress breaks down in tears during the sit-downCredit: Channel 4 News
The professional dancer is now considering legal action, according to the Daily Mail.

It’s after Amanda spoke out before the BBC’s investigation results are published.

Amanda also reiterated her claims that Giovanni is blocking the release of rehearsal footage, saying there are FIFTY hours recorded.

There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I’m not the one who’s blocking it. I’ve said anyone can watch it, but he (Giovanni) doesn’t want anyone to see it,” she insisted.

However, Giovanni’s team now say they have “bombshell evidence” to clear his name.

A friend of his told the Daily Mail: “Gio is so cross. The verdict is just days away now. It’s the home straight for him but he is absolutely determined to clear his name.

“He and his team are adamant that there is something concrete which will prove that Amanda is telling lies.

“He can’t wait for the truth to come out, it will be a huge relief for him. Giovanni is not going let this go.

Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan-Guru Murthy said in their sit down interview: “I heard, not from you, from somebody else, about an instance of, I suppose you’d call it humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature, is that right?”

An emotional Amanda replied: “Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things.”

Amanda admitted that she could not go into the full details about the nature of what she allegedly suffered as it is still under investigation.

Talking about the nature of the ‘abuse’, she added: “It was unnecessary and when stuff was getting thrown at me I’d shut down because I’ve been in abusive situations before in the past so I recognised the red flags, so I’d shut down and wouldn’t be able to do it because I felt attacked, not literally attacked.”

Asked what the footage shows, she elaborated: “It’s bullying and it’s aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you’re a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?”

A BBC spokesperson said in response: “Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on individuals.

“However, when issues are raised with us we always take them extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage this. As we have said before, we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.

“More generally, the BBC and BBC Studios take duty of care extremely seriously. Our processes on Strictly Come Dancing are updated every year, they are kept under constant review and last week we announced additional steps to further strengthen welfare and support on the show.“

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Amanda opened up in an interview with Channel 4Credit: Channel 4 News