Amanda Abbington speaks out in BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice

Amanda Abbington has spoken out for the first time since it became known that her former Be sure to come and dance His professional partner was investigated for his behavior on the show.

The Sherlock actor was paired with Giovanni Pernice during last year’s series, but quit the show midway through for unspecified health reasons.

It later emerged that Amanda had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following her time on the show. Reports last month said Giovanni was facing an internal investigation by the BBC after several of his former partners made “serious complaints”.

Giovanni told his fans at the time: “You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made in the media this week about my dance teaching methods. Of course, I deny any allegations of abusive or threatening behavior and look forward to clearing my name.”

“Anyone who has followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and ambitious. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than I am. I have always tried to help them become the best dancers they can be. This has always come from a love and desire to win – for myself and my dance partners.”

Amanda has now given her side of the story, calling Giovanni “mean” and claiming he was “terrible” to her as well as several other celebrities he danced with on the show.

“They don’t understand how horrific this all is,” she insisted to the Daily Mail, claiming she “had to quit social media” because Giovanni’s fans “trolled” her and made her “death threats.”

She added: “And all because I didn’t enjoy a TV show. For all these reasons, I didn’t enjoy it.”

HuffPost UK has contacted Giovanni Pernice’s team for comment.

The BBC declined to comment, but the corporation released a rare statement on the matter last week.

“It is a long-standing position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters relating to individuals,” a BBC representative said. “Nor would we normally comment on whether we are investigating any individual complaints.”

“We have seen a number of media reports recently about a high-profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Everyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and a fair trial.

“When the BBC receives a complaint, we investigate the facts and take all necessary steps to determine whether a case has been raised and what action, if any, should be taken.”

The statement, which did not directly mention Giovanni, Amanda or Strictly Come Dancing, continued: “This is all done in the context of the BBC’s duty of care towards everyone connected with a complaint – that includes both those who made the complaint and those who were complained about.”

“We know that our shows have been positive experiences for many of our participants, however we will always consider all issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to all involved.”

Giovanni joined Strictly in 2015 and made it to the finals four times, including with his famous partners Georgia May Foote, Debbie McGee and Faye Tozer.

He later won the show together with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 and appeared in a same-sex partnership with Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson the following year.

More specifically: