Amanda Abbington had been partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing last year
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington has said that she’s received threats from fans of the BBC show after making allegations against Giovanni Pernice
A friend of Amanda Abbington has criticised her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice for his “silence” on threats against her amid the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.
The actor, 50, was partnered with Giovanni, 33, on Strictly Come Dancing last year. Amanda has since said that she complained about him and has made allegations of “bullying” and “aggressive behaviour” against Giovanni. He has however denied “abusive or threatening behaviour”.
Amid an apparent internal investigation at the BBC over the scandal, Amanda has said that she’s received “death threats” and “rape threats” from fans. And it was reported earlier this week that police are investigating a threat towards Amanda, who is currently starring in the play When It Happens to You at Park Theatre in London. She’s said to have been sent an email that warned that she should retract her claims or “die on stage”.
Speaking to the Mirror, a pal said: “Amanda has been receiving death and rape threats over all this, but Giovanni hasn’t said anything. You would have thought he would stand up and say ‘Not in my name’. That would be the decent thing to do. His silence is deafening.”
Actor Amanda Abbington (right) had been partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (left) on Strictly Come Dancing last year (Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
The pal also claimed that Amanda fears the BBC will bury its own findings over her complaint. The conclusion of a review into former Strictly pro-Giovanni’s behaviour had been expected to be made public earlier this month. But the date fell in the same week that disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards appeared in court over child abuse images. A BBC source said: “The Strictly report and the Huw Edwards case are entirely unrelated.”
A pal of Sherlock star Amanda said: “They didn’t want two catastrophes in one week.” Speaking on condition of anonymity, the friend said of the probe: “They delayed it because of Edwards. We can’t imagine they’ll do anything apart from carry on sitting on it and try to bury the investigation.”
The show, which is now in its 20th year, has become embroiled in controversy over allegations about the behaviour of its dancers towards celebrities, including Amanda and reality star Zara McDermott, 27. As a result, chaperones will now be placed in the training rooms, with welfare staff on hand for celebs, cast and crew.
Strictly bosses have also demanded all pro dancers complete anti-bullying training ahead of the new series. Amanda told how she was left with PTSD after her stint. And Laura Whitmore, who also danced with Pernice, said she and six others had spoken to the BBC about Amanda’s claims.
The Sherlock actress is said to have requested footage of the duo’s ‘tense’ training sessions, leading to a misconduct investigation. The results of the investigation are expected to be revealed and Giovanni’s camp is confident that he will be cleared.
The full line-up for this year’s Strictly will be unveiled tomorrow. Celebrities already confirmed include TOWIE’s Pete Wicks, Olympian Tom Dean, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland and singer Toyah Willcox.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
