BBC bosses are said to be “incandescent with rage” after Amanda Abbington’s explosive interview on her Strictly experience.
The actress broke down in tears as she told of suffering “humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature” at the hands of Giovanni Pernice.
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice in happier timesCredit: BBC
The Sherlock actress breaks down in tears during the sit-downCredit: Channel 4 News
The professional dancer is now considering legal action, according to the Daily Mail.
It’s after Amanda spoke out before the BBC’s investigation results are published.
Amanda also reiterated her claims that Giovanni is blocking the release of rehearsal footage, saying there are FIFTY hours recorded.
There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I’m not the one who’s blocking it. I’ve said anyone can watch it, but he (Giovanni) doesn’t want anyone to see it,” she insisted.
However, Giovanni’s team now say they have “bombshell evidence” to clear his name.
A friend of his told the Daily Mail: “Gio is so cross. The verdict is just days away now. It’s the home straight for him but he is absolutely determined to clear his name.
“He and his team are adamant that there is something concrete which will prove that Amanda is telling lies.
“He can’t wait for the truth to come out, it will be a huge relief for him. Giovanni is not going let this go.
Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan-Guru Murthy said in their sit down interview: “I heard, not from you, from somebody else, about an instance of, I suppose you’d call it humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature, is that right?”
An emotional Amanda replied: “Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things.”
Amanda admitted that she could not go into the full details about the nature of what she allegedly suffered as it is still under investigation.
Talking about the nature of the ‘abuse’, she added: “It was unnecessary and when stuff was getting thrown at me I’d shut down because I’ve been in abusive situations before in the past so I recognised the red flags, so I’d shut down and wouldn’t be able to do it because I felt attacked, not literally attacked.”
Asked what the footage shows, she elaborated: “It’s bullying and it’s aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you’re a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?”
A BBC spokesperson said in response: “Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on individuals.
“However, when issues are raised with us we always take them extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage this. As we have said before, we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.
“More generally, the BBC and BBC Studios take duty of care extremely seriously. Our processes on Strictly Come Dancing are updated every year, they are kept under constant review and last week we announced additional steps to further strengthen welfare and support on the show.“
Amanda opened up in an interview with Channel 4Credit: Channel 4 News
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
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