BBC bosses have delayed the publication of the findings of the investigation into former Strictly professional dancer Giovanni Pernice after new evidence came to light.

The Sun on Sunday can reveal the results of its three-month investigation into bullying allegations by actress Amanda Abbington and other stars. They are unlikely to be made public this month.

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The 50-year-old Sherlock actress is said to have handed over more text messages at the last minute, which “changed the course of the investigation”.

The uproar surrounding Jermaine Jenas, who was sacked from One Show and Match Of The Day over inappropriate text messages, may also have contributed to the delay.

The source added: “The BBC is in crisis mode.

“They were still reeling from the Huw Edwards scandal.

“They know all eyes are on them and they are anxious to see what they are going to do about the dark cloud hanging over Strictly, so they need to make sure they announce their decision at the right time.

“It now looks like it will happen next month, which means the whole thing could be dragged into the new series.

“The BBC also knows that whatever they announce is highly unlikely to be the end of the matter.

“They are preparing for appeals and potentially more complaints, so they are determined to get everything in order before making a public announcement.

“Amanda and Giovanni are both naturally frustrated with the way things are dragging on.

“They both insist that they are right and do not give up.

“But they both also want answers and to know what the BBC has decided.”

It is believed that six people were interviewed during the investigation, including Laura Whitmore, Giovanni’s dance partner in 2016.