Richard Madeley takes swipe at Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice as he joins Susanna Reid in defence of Amanda Abbington

RICHARD Madeley took a subtle swipe at Giovanni Pernice today as he joined Susanna Reid in defence of Amanda Abbington.

The Sun revealed at the weekend that actress Amanda, 51, has demanded bosses at Strictly hand over footage from her rehearsals with Giovanni, 33, last year and is seeking legal advice over her experience.

During Wednesday's edition of Good Morning Britain Susanna, 53 - who took part in the BBC One competition 2013 - made it clear she is siding with Amanda.

And Richard, 67, echoed her comments. He said: "She wouldn't ask for the footage if she didn't think there was something on it that would justify her complaints.

"Why ask for it? She knows what happened."

It's thought Amanda believes the hours of their practice tapes could support her claims about the pro dancer’s alleged behaviour towards her.

The Sherlock star quit the show in October citing medical reasons — and a source has revealed she has since been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

It comes after her time with Giovanni, who is regarded as a “perfectionist”, was blighted by a series of rows.

An on-set source said: “The BBC have received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni. It is known as a data subject access request. There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense."

A pal claimed it has taken months for Amanda to recover from her time on the dance show.

They said: “Amanda has been left broken and saddened by the whole experience. She has needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to."

Meanwhile, the BBC has pledged to stand by the Italian dancer.