BBC bosses gave their blessing for former star Giovanni Pernice to take part in the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing – despite his former dance partner Amanda Abbington's claims that he bullied her.
The Corporation's intervention to endorse the Sicilian suggests its long-running investigation into the Sherlock actress's complaints is set to conclude in his favour.
Executives of the Italian series, Ballando con le Stelle, feared they would have been unable to go ahead and hire him without the BBC's say so – and as the deadline drew close, the BBC stepped in.
There were concerns within the Corporation that had Mr Pernice, 34, lost out on the Italian show because of how long the investigation has gone on for, it could have faced a big legal claim from him for loss of earnings.
As it is, insiders suggest the BBC is facing a bill of £500,000 just for the inquiry – with licence-fee payers ultimately footing the bill.
A Strictly source said: 'The BBC have seen everything and have pretty much made up their minds as to what went on.
'There is now some silly to-ing and fro-ing about what the report will say, but while that was all going on Giovanni had been offered an opportunity to continue his career in Italy.
'Of course he wanted to take part on Ballando. He loves dancing but there was a question mark hanging over his head regarding his conduct.
'The BBC decided that was absolutely unfair and made the decision to intervene and give him a clean bill of health.
'There is no way they would have done that if they had any worries about his behaviour. It tells you all you need to know, really.'
Mr Pernice has been in the rehearsal room in Rome with his new partner, the stunning Italian singer and actress Bianca Guaccero, 43, for two weeks. She and Mr Pernice are said to be getting on 'famously'.
The outcome of the BBC's inquiry is understood to have been delayed as lawyers for both parties disagree on the findings.
There is said to be internal frustration over how long it has taken, given the investigation was launched in April.
Some at the BBC are furious that it had to take place at all, taking the view it has been 'a total waste of time and money'. Another senior BBC employee said of the row: 'There are no winners here.'
BBC chiefs are also cross that Ms Abbington, 52, hired lawyers to deal with the Corporation over what they saw as 'HR procedure'.
After complaining to the BBC when she learned Mr Pernice was to be signed up for the forthcoming UK series in April, Ms Abbington, brought in legal firm Carter-Ruck. They are representing her on a pro-bono basis.
Mr Pernice, who quit this year's 20th anniversary series over the inquiry being launched, then instructed Schillings.
The law firm has previously represented the Duchess of Sussex, J. K. Rowling, Johnny Depp and Lance Armstrong.
