Amanda Abbington's fiancé's reaction to Giovanni supporter as BBC's internal probe ends

The BBC has announced the results of a four-month investigation into Amanda Abbington's accusations against her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice

Amanda Abbington's husband-to-be Jonathan Goodwin fiercely hit back at a social media user who suggested she had damaged former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice's career, after she lodged a complaint against him.

Following her sudden exit from the BBC dance competition last year, the star of Sherlock accused Giovanni of "mean, cruel, and abusive" behaviour, allegations he has consistently denied.

After a detailed four-month internal investigation into Amanda's claims, the BBC has now disclosed the much-anticipated outcome today.

In a statement, they said: "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," reports the Express.

BBC News reports that while the actress' allegations of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, the accusations of physical aggression were not.

The 50-year-old has since issued an extensive statement describing the ruling as a "vindication" and also drew attention to the abuse she endured following her initial complaint.

During the inquiry, Jonathan, who is engaged to the actress, robustly defended her against the claim that her actions had negatively impacted Giovanni's career.

After reports surfaced claiming she had found her ex dance partner "abrasive" during rehearsals, one social media user wrote on Jonathan's post: "Can you tell Amanda that thinking someone is 'abrasive' doesn't mean you set out to ruin their career?

"I know you found it uncomfortable watching them both together, perhaps even jealousy, but that's not his problem, that's yours."

Responding with composure at first, the ex Britain's Got Talent star expressed his gratitude, replying: "Hi lovely thanks for this. I wish you well."

Jonathan's tone took on a sharper edge when another Instagram user took a swipe at Amanda, which prompted him to reply: "Bless you for speaking out on a subject you know nothing about. Just watch what happens and then maybe form an opinion."

In a statement released following the verdict, Amanda wrote: "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."

Amanda has said that despite the abuse, she has no regrets over lodging her complaint, adding: "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 mother-of-two went on to say that the BBC had also extended an invitation for a meeting with senior management, which she is contemplating.

"This apology means a great deal to me," she added. "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."