Nancy Dell'Olio threatens to sue Bruno Tonioli

Nancy Dell'Olio is threatening to sue 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Bruno Tonioli.

The 50-year-old star is said to be considering taking legal action against the judge after he suggested she had guzzled "two gallons" of champagne prior to her disastrous performance on Saturday night.

However, the fiery Italian insisted her dodgy routine was because she had torn a ligament in her knee during the week of rehearsals.

A friend told the Daily Mail: "She was having trouble walking and her leg was in real pain - but she thought the show must go on, so took to the floor.

"To then have Bruno accuse her of being drunk, she found very upsetting. She has considered legal action - but everyone's been calming her down."

However, BBC One bosses have insisted Bruno did not mean to cause offence with his cheeky comments.

A BBC spokesperson said: "The judges always look to give constructive criticism to all of our dancers and this is often delivered with humour, given that 'Strictly' is an entertainment show.

"Bruno's comments were tongue in cheek and not meant to cause offence."