Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is said to have wanted his training sessions with Amanda Abbington recorded over fears of her causing "trouble" for him and wanting to "ensure he was protected".
Abbington quit the show during week five and initially said it was to do with "personal reasons" but it was quickly claimed that the Sherlock star had suffered PTSD from her time with Pernice.
She claimed that she was left "broken and in tears", adding that Pernice had purposefully stamped on her foot and later requested to see the video footage of their rehearsals as part of a legal claim against him.
However, it has now been claimed that the 33-year-old Latin and Ballroom champion initially asked BBC bosses to film all his training sessions with Abbington after becoming concerned with her "unstable behaviour".
Pernice claimed that during their second week together, he was left "worried" and "unsettled" so wanted to "ensure he was protected", later leaving the BBC to reportedly review the footage which was later ruled that none of his actions were inappropriate.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: "Gio found the situation [with Amanda] very unsettling, so he asked that all sessions were recorded. It was totally unprecedented, but Gio started to see things in Amanda’s behaviour and wanted to ensure he was protected. What a relief he did.”
Despite their stunning performances Amanda left during week five
BBC
GB News has contacted Pernice's representatives for a comment.
Pernice is facing legal action from Abbington as well as two unnamed former Strictly partners following his "abusive behaviour" allegations, whilst BBC bosses have launched their own internal investigation.
The Italian star has refuted any suggestion of "abusive or threatening behaviour", and recently wrote on his Instagram: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name. Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
Giovanni is said to have had concerns about Amanda's behaviour
BBC
"No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."
It was claimed that the star was not one of the professional dancers to be named on a memo about the upcoming series, but neither Pernice nor the BBC has confirmed or denied his involvement with the show this year.
Wanting to clear his name and ensure he doesn't get "cancelled", Pernice is said to have instructed London-based law firm Shillings to represent him.
The law firm will go head to head with Carter-Ruck, the London law firm acting for Amanda and two other women.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Giovanni reportedly claimed to want the sessions recorded
GETTY/ITV
Abbington's fiancé Jonathan Goodwin recently hit back at criticism of his other half "ruining" Pernice's reputation, and posted an image on Instagram with the caption: "We don’t control what happens to us… but we do control how we feel about it… Every single moment that we live adds depth and weight to our identity.
"The good… and the bad… it is literally impossible to become an adult and not experience at least a few terrible circumstances… the real test of character is how we react to them."
One follower replied: "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 jealous, but that's not his problem, that's yours.
"Taking the high road, Goodwin simply replied: "Hi lovely thanks for this. I wish you well."