BBC spends more than £250,000 on Strictly Come Dancing investigation into Amanda Abbington’s claims she was bullied by former dance partner Giovanni Pernice

The investigation into Amanda Abbington’s claims she was bullied by her former Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice has cost the BBC more than £250,000 so far, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Corporation bosses are said to be increasingly frustrated over the amount of money spent on the probe, which includes hiring two former Metropolitan Police officers to interview celebrities, dancers and staff from past and present shows as they look into Ms Abbington’s allegations – which Mr Pernice strenuously denies.

Sources at the BBC also cite large sums spent on external lawyers and human resources experts on top of the investigations conducted by their own staff.

As well as the six-figure sum, the Corporation also faces a potential payout for compensation. Ms Abbington, 52, has hinted that she would be seeking such a payout while Mr Pernice, 33, is also said to be considering suing the BBC for an alleged lack of duty of care.

Bosses are said to be frustrated at the spiralling costs of the probe, which has involved two Metropolitan Police officers. Pictured: Ms Abbington and Mr Pernice dancing on Strictly last year

An insider said: ‘An enormous amount of money and time has been spent on this, making sure that the right calls are taken at all times. But that has meant getting outsiders in to look at evidence and there is a huge cost on that.

‘It has gone on for months now, and there are various lawyers involved, it is a financial headache and the costs are going to keep going up until the inquiry is finished. Even then it is likely there will be payouts. It’s a nightmare.’

While the flagship Saturday night show is made by BBC Studios – the broadcaster’s commercial arm – the investigation has crossed over to the main Corporation, which is funded by the licence fee.

The scandal unfolded in January when it was revealed that Ms Abbington had asked BBC bosses for rehearsal footage after claiming she suffered PTSD as a result of appearing on Strictly. She later claimed Mr Pernice had bruised her foot during training.

Ms Abbington claimed to BBC chiefs that she had suffered PTSD as a result of appearing on Strictl, and later said that Mr Pernice had bruised her foot during training

In April, the BBC launched an investigation. Last month, the actress showed Corporation bosses a video of a sexual nature which she said Mr Pernice had sent her via WhatsApp.

This year’s Strictly is said to have one of the lowest salary bills since it launched in 2004. BBC insiders have suggested that producers want to recoup some of the money they have had to spend on the inquiry.

The BBC declined to comment.