The BBC has apologised to former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington following its investigation into her allegations about professional partner Giovanni Pernice.

The actress was in the celebrity lineup for the 2023 series of the top-rated show but quit the competition after just a few weeks due to what was described at the time as "medical reasons".

Earlier this year Abbington admitted that her departure was caused by her fractious relationship with Pernice, whom she accused of bullying during their training sessions - all accusations that Pernice, who has since quit Strictly, denied.

Now the BBC's report into the affair has upheld six of Abbington's 17 complaints, specifically relating to verbal abuse, but found that Pernice was not abusive, did not make threats and was not intimidating or physically aggressive towards her.

A statement from the corporation said: "Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience. It is a great shame if this hasn't been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show.

"We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do."

In her response to the report, Abbington said: "As the BBC 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 BBC, 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 BBC 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 Strictly Come Dancing. I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.

"The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering. This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were 'not enough'.

"What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they've promised, to ensure others don't experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did."

A spokesperson for Pernice said: "We are pleased this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour.

"Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."

Following the allegations, Strictly has ensured that celebrities and their partners will be accompanied to every training session by chaperones who will provide daily reports on each of the couples to producers.