Amanda Abbington will break silence on Strictly Come Dancing complaint scandal on TV next week
AMANDA Abbington is set to break her silence in her first TV interview since the Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal.
The actress, who quit the 2023 series due to personal reasons, is believed to have spearheaded the complaints effort against the professional dancer to the BBC.
At least three of Giovanni’s dance partners have joined forces to come forward about the Sicilian performer’s rehearsal behaviour, which was described by sources as “militant”.
According to the Daily Mail, Amanda will appear on Lorraine on Thursday, and will talk to Christine Lampard who is leading the show that day.
However, she will be limited in what she can and can’t say as the investigation into the complaint continues.
“She has been booked to promote her upcoming play When It Happens To You,” a source told the site.
“But obviously, with everything that’s been happening, Christine will be asking Amanda how she is amid the scandal.
“Given the BBC investigation is ongoing, the show will have to abide by those restrictions.”
Christine has also got her own history with Strictly, having appeared on the show back in 2008 and placing fifth with partner Matthew Cutler.
Following the official complaints, Giovanni was removed from the line-up of this year’s Strictly after nine years on the show, with the BBC hiring former Met Police detectives to conduct a thorough investigation.
Gio later released a public statement on Instagram denying any wrongdoing, vowing to clear his name and hiring top legal firm Schillings to represent him.
Amanda has since had to delete her social media after being bombarded with threats so severe the police have been called.
Last week, fan favourite Graziano Di Prima was also axed from the show after footage of him “kicking and spitting” at former celeb partner Zara McDermott in the rehearsal room came to light.
After being shown the footage, it took show bosses four days to reach out to Zara and offer support, and to terminate Graziano’s contract for “gross misconduct”.
As the news broke, Graziano released a statement of apology for his behaviour, saying his “intense passion and determination may have affected his training regime”.
He has since flown back to Sicily to escape the UK speculation, and both he and Zara have now hired representatives to speak on their behalf.
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”.
In light of the revelations, the BBC has put new duty of care in place to ensure there will always be a minder present as a deterrent for such behaviour.
In another blow for the series, pros Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington split after two years of dating at the beginning of this week.
Nadiya has reportedly since had her own meetings with bosses to air her grievances with the show.