Amanda Abbington "went nuclear" after hearing Strictly Come Dancing bosses had hoped Giovanni Pernice would return this year, according to reports.
Giovanni, 33, is said to have now quietly bowed out of the BBC show, but Strictly bosses apparently wanted him back.
But according to reports, Sherlock actress Amanda - who was partnered with Giovanni last year - lost her cool when she found out.
Amanda, 52, quit Strictly during her 2023 run and later claimed she was suffering from mild PTSD from her time on the show.
So the news that Strictly were prepared to 'welcome Giovanni back with open arms' did not go down well.
Amanda recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram, saying: "Make people feel embarrassed of being associated with misogynists. Make misogyny unprofitable for anyone to pursue. Deprive misogyny of the oxygen it needs to survive."
A source has said: "Amanda was most certainly referring to Giovanni going back to Strictly and surely that was the point that prompted her to go nuclear."
OK! has contacted Amanda's reps for comment.
The BBC has now launched an internal investigation after three former contestants instructed lawyers.
News of the formal complaints - logged separately but by the same top legal firm, Carter Ruck - come after it was revealed the Sicilian dancer had quit the hit BBC dance show.
While the three complainants have not been named, they are understood to be Amanda and two other high profile stars.
A representative from the high-end law firm Carter Ruck, known for their £700 per hour rate, stated: "There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering. As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage."
The investigation, which is delving into serious workplace misconduct, is expected to review rehearsal footage of Giovanni and Amanda from last year.
The BBC has chosen not to comment on the internal investigation or Giovanni's own evidence. Giovanni, for his part, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Gio - who has recently left the UK with his girlfriend Molly Brown - joined Strictly in 2015 and quickly became a fan favourite. He made it to the final in his first year with actress Georgia May Foote, and clinched victory in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
