Strictly star Amanda Abbington takes defiant swipe at Giovanni Pernice after he branded her a ‘mad woman’
AMANDA Abbington has taken a defiant swipe at Giovanni Pernice, just hours after he allegedly branded her a ‘mad woman’.
The Sherlock actress, 50, stepped out today and sent a powerful message back to the Sicilian pro dancer amid the pair’s ongoing Strictly Come Dancing row.
Giovanni was on stage at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester at the weekend, as part of his Together tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
And he appeared to take a pointed jibe at Amanda as he vowed to the audience that he would be back on their screens soon.
He said: “Oh, I will be back, don’t you worry, let’s see what this mad woman has got to say next.
Anton replied: “Gio you can’t say that.”
Today, Amanda was spotted arriving at theatre rehearsals in London and her choice of clothing was very telling.
In photos obtained by the Mirror, the actress was wearing a brown jumper with the slogan: “You’re only as cool as you treat people.”
Amanda appeared in good spirits as she walked with a pal while holding a coffee.
She went make-up free as she made her way to the Park Theatre, where she is appearing in the play When It Happens To You.
Amanda has broken her silence this weekend, as she spoke to The Sun on Sunday about her ordeal on the BBC entertainment show.
In a powerful chat, she said: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“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.
She continued: “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.
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.”
Amanda also told how she’d been hit by death threats in her quest to uncover the truth.
I wanted to complain about it because I didn’t think it was fair — this is a publicly owned company.
“It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash. I know the BBC knew about Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.
“I know what is on those tapes and I am not frightened of those tapes being seen. It goes way beyond treading on my toe. I know what happened and the fact he is blocking the tapes says a lot.”
Since Amanda took legal advice over her experience on the Saturday night juggernaut, Strictly Come Dancing has been mired in one crisis after the next.
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”.
Last Saturday, news broke that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from the series for his treatment of Zara McDermott.
He is alleged to have “hit, kicked and spat at” his celebrity partner during their rehearsals and these incidents were said to have been caught on video.
The BBC’s internal enquiry into the backstage goings on are still ongoing.