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.
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.
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.
Giovanni Pernice attends the world premiere of 'Man and Witch' at Prince Charles Cinema on June 2
BBC bosses are said to be 'concerned' and are wanting to find out how this information is being released
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.'
As the investigation into Giovanni's alleged inappropriate behaviour continues the BBC have reportedly brought in two ex Met officers to conduct the interviews.
And it is understood they have already interviewed at least one female complainant, The Sun has revealed.
The other two are due to be seen in the coming days as the organisation continue to reportedly scour nine years of footage from Giovanni's training sessions.
A source told the publication: 'The BBC is taking this extremely seriously.
'Two ex-Met cops are conducting all the interviews and have been tasked with gathering evidence — including texts and screenshots — which they will present to corporation executives.
'Giovanni has not yet been spoken to.'
MailOnline have contacted Giovanni's representatives. The BBC chose not to comment when approached for a statement.
Giovanni returned to social media for the first time on Thursday after the BBC confirmed he would not be returning to the show.
The dancer shared a video to the Ballando Instagram account in which he could be seen taking charge in leading a series of group dance sessions.
Keeping his words to a minimum, he simply added three love heart emojis to the post - proving that he still has a passion for dance.
Giovanni returned to social media for the first time on Thursday after the BBC confirmed he would not be returning to the show
The dancer is set to return to the stage for his show - The Anton and Giovanni Together live tour - on Friday alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
His absence from this year's line-up was finally revealed on Monday when the BBC1 show announced which dancers would be competing.
The big reveal is a routine procedure by show bosses and does not mark the end of the probe into Giovanni's behaviour.
A show insider said: 'Giovanni's case is very much ongoing. The announcement is circulated when Strictly have finalised the contracts of the pros who are able to compete.
'Giovanni's absence has been known for some weeks, he won't have anything to do with the 2024 season.
'But the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings will continue to develop alongside preparation for the upcoming series.'
