Amanda Abbington has slammed her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice over his "cruel" and "abusive" behaviour.
The Sherlock actor, who took part in the 2023 series of the show, has been diagnosed with PTSD following "inappropriate behaviour" from Giovanni - allegations which the dancer denies.
In a new interview with The Sun on Sunday, Amanda discussed the recent allegations, telling the newspaper: "I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean.
"I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people."
Recommended Reading:
Strictly allege Graziano Di Prima 'kicked' celebrity partner Zara McDermott
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood speaks out over dancer allegations
Amanda Abbington feared backlash if she spoke out against Giovanni Pernice
Amanda Abbington explained that she feared there would be a backlash if she spoke out and complained to the BBC about Giovanni Pernice.
She added: "I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show."
“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed."
A representative for the Strictly Come Dancing star responded to these claims, telling the Mail Online: "The BBC has shared allegations from the inquiry with Giovanni, who has cooperated fully."
They added: "None of the allegations carried in the Sun on Sunday are included in any shape or form.
"Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour.
"He has provided substantive evidence to the investigation and he remains fully confident of clearing his name."
Newsquest has reached out to Giovanni Pernice for comment.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel