This is a drag! Giovanni Pernice hits back at 'false' claims the former Strictly Come Dancing star would 'grab his crotch' when partners did well - as 'furious' BBC bosses blast leaks of confidential probe details

It's the BBC inquiry that could determine the future of the broadcaster's crown jewel, Strictly Come Dancing.

For weeks executives have been investigating claims that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice behaved 'abrasively' to his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington.

However, the Daily Mail can reveal BBC bosses are 'furious' that leaks of confidential details of the probe have been made public.

Yesterday it was reported claims that Pernice would 'grab his crotch' when one of his partners did well have been heard by investigators.

The Sun newspaper also told how Ms Abbington said her foot was bruised after Pernice stood on it.

Giovanni Pernice took a smoke break as he made his first appearance since being overlooked for the forthcoming twenty second-series of Strictly Come Dancing

For weeks executives have been investigating claims that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (left) behaved 'abrasively' to his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington (right)

BBC bosses are said to be 'concerned' and are wanting to find out how this information is being released.

They are also worried that the leaks mean that Pernice, who quit Strictly in April after nine years, is being vilified by the public.

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One insider at the corporation told the Mail: 'We are talking about a confidential, internal inquiry here yet there are several elements finding their way into the public domain now.

'While it isn't an HR issue, it is an investigation which the BBC are taking seriously.

'The bosses want to know why this is happening. They want to find the leak. If you are Giovanni here you might be thinking that this is highly unfair.

'It also seems quite rum that it is all anti-Giovanni. There is nothing coming out in his favour at all. It's all very strange.'

The inquiry began last month and the outcome is expected within a few weeks.

It all began when Ms Abbington revealed to The Sun in January that she had got post-traumatic stress disorder after appearing on Strictly last year when she was paired with Pernice.

She also asked for video footage of her rehearsals with the Sicilian dancer.

After he was offered a contract to return to the series, which starts in September, Ms Abbington instructed London-based legal firm Carter-Ruck to represent her, along with two other female stars who have appeared on Strictly.

The BBC are currently scouring nine years of footage from Strictly professional Giovanni's training sessions following claims of inappropriate conduct from three separate dance partners on the show

Earlier that night the dancer was seen wearing a bathrobe as he chatted to members of the crew outside the  theatre

The group were seen chatting ahead of Giovanni's first show in Middlesex on Sunday evening

Close friend Anton Du Beke joined the dancer onstage, but was not seen with Giovanni as he idled outside the theatre

Giovanni departed the theatre just before midnight, in the company of a female assistant

Ms Abbington reportedly met up with Laura Whitmore and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh – also former partners of Pernice – to discuss his so-called bad behaviour.

Pernice, 33, responded by hiring rival firm, Schillings, which has represented royals such Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as J. K. Rowling and Ryan Giggs.

He has vowed not to be cancelled and is fully co-operating with the investigation. In the last fortnight he has begun to engage with the BBC. He expects to be exonerated.

In a statement, the dancer said: 'Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his reputation against all false and misleading accusations against him.'

On Instagram yesterday Pernice, who is currently on tour across the country with Strictly star Anton Du Beke, branded allegations about his teaching methods 'simply false'.

He wrote: 'Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.

'As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.

'I am co-operating 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.'