Amanda Abbington reportedly broke down in tears during her debut performance in her new play When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in London on Wednesday. 

It marks the Sherlock star’s first acting role since she dramatically quit Strictly Come Dancing last year after accusing Giovanni Pernice of bullying behaviour.

The actress, 50, was on stage alongside three other actors for the entire 90-minute duration of the play.

According to The Mirror, Amanda received a standing ovation from the audience that moved her to tears. 

One audience member told the publication: ‘We all know that Amanda is an incredible actress, but tonight has been almost a religious experience.

‘To see her perform live, knowing about everything she has on her shoulders at the minute and everything that has been weighing her down, it’s amazing how she managed to keep her emotions in check in such a moving play.’

For her performance, she wore a white blouse along with a pair of mauve trousers while her brunette locks were slicked back.  

Amanda leads the cast in the thriller and takes on the role of Tara in the true story about a mother trying to hold her family together after a devastating event changes the course of their lives.

After the show, Amanda changed into a black T-shirt with ‘Quiet No More’ written on the back as she posed for photos alongside the play’s director Jez Bond.

The production is set run until August, 31.

In an interview ahead of the show, Amanda said: ‘It is the story about love and over coming adversity the subject even though it is what it is there is something joyful and uplifting and encouraging.’

‘When I first read the play I couldn’t put it down. I had to finish it in one sitting. It is such a beautifully written piece of theatre,’ she added.

‘Any actress given this, it would be a gift if a role. It is a beautiful piece of story telling with incredible characters with a message that needs to be told.’

Amanda has appeared in numerous television and stage productions, including BBC One’s Bafta and Emmy-winning Sherlock, starring alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

On stage, Amanda has also starred in the highly acclaimed The Son at the Kiln Theatre and the West End transfer at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

In 2021, Amanda originated the role of ‘Debbie’ in The Unfriend, a new play by Steven Moffat at Chichester Festival Theatre, directed by Mark Gatiss that then transferred to the West End the following year. 

Her performance comes after the actress is said to be considering fresh legal action against Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice , 33, after he reportedly refused to release their Strictly rehearsal videos. 

Amanda’s lawyers believe the tapes will support misconduct accusations against the dancer as the BBC continues to investigate. 

Giovanni has denied all allegations made against him. 

The Sun claimed earlier this month that Strictly insiders wondered ‘what he had to hide’ after he is said to have blocked the release of training footage with Amanda.

A source told the publication: ‘Amanda and her legal team asked to have access to the tapes. The BBC contacted Giovanni and his legal team to get their consent but they refused.

‘Amanda’s legal team are now weighing up an appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office to get access to the evidence as they think it is vital in helping support her claims.

‘He claims the allegations are false — she insists they will ­validate every one of her grievances. To be clear, the BBC are reviewing the tapes and taking them very seriously. But there are data implications to them ever being leaked so they are in an unenviable position.’

MailOnline contacted both the BBC and Giovanni’s representatives for comment at the time. 

The latest legal development comes after it was revealed the accusations have now widened after more complaints surrounding the hit show.

‘Having the Giovanni complaint has been a big enough issue, but now it looks like there is more to be scrutinised and looked into.’

Sources close to Giovanni say that he fully expects to be exonerated.

Insiders say also that the widened inquiry will now present Giovanni as possibly being a ‘small fish’ in Strictly’s potential downfall.

In May it was revealed that Amanda had instructed London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC.

The BBC previously refused to comment on the matter but it did confirm in a statement that more than one complaint has been made.

It was revealed earlier this month that a plea was made online for anyone involved in the show at any time in the past two decades to come forward and speak to the BBC if they had experienced any bad behaviour.

Writing in The TV Mindset, a social media forum for TV industry workers, an anonymous member insisted: ‘It is important to hear as many accounts as possible from others who were treated inappropriately, had grievances, or potentially identify others that were.

‘This is crucial in supporting Amanda’s case, as well as potentially anyone else’s. It is also ultimately to support all freelancers and the industry as a whole by standing up to such practices.’

Giovanni launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020. 

A spokesman for Giovanni said: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.

‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’ 

Giovanni also shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies. 

He said in a statement: ‘You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.

‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.

‘Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!’

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Source: CNN