Strictly’s Amanda Abbington breaks silence about ‘cruel & abusive’ Giovanni Pernice as BBC boss calls conduct ‘shocking’

AMANDA Abbington has spoken for the first time about her Strictly ordeal with pro Giovanni Pernice — branding him “abusive, cruel and mean”.

The Sherlock actress, 50, complained to the BBC that she endured five weeks of inappropriate behaviour on the last series, before pulling out and being diagnosed with PTSD.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, Amanda 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.

“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.

“I was being as amenable as possible and it wasn’t being reciprocated, that’s all.

“And 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.”

Other stars have complained about the behaviour of Giovanni, 33, and fellow Italian Graziano Di Prima, and Amanda said: “I’m proud of the people who have come forward. Daring to say something is a big step for people. The BBC must have been turning a blind eye and the fact other people have come forward must mean there is something going on that is endemic.”

Meanwhile, the BBC inquiry has been told that an exec had said at a meeting that ­Giovanni’s behaviour towards Amanda was “unacceptable and shocking”.

Their comment was made after reviewing video of the pair in rehearsals — after Amanda raised concerns.

The inquiry also heard Giovanni made a crude ­sexual remark to Amanda, and seemed to give up teaching her because he did not think they were going to win.

Today’s revelations throw new light on the Strictly crisis, which the BBC has struggled to keep under control ahead of the show’s 20th anniversary.

A Strictly insider said: “This is not good. It looks like the BBC turned a blind eye to knowing what was going on in Giovanni and Amanda’s rehearsal room.”

The BBC inquiry has also been told show staff consoled Amanda during her tough times saying: “Don’t worry, it will get better, this is what he’s like.”

It indicates Giovanni’s behaviour was known about but not dealt with by bosses.

The source added: “There was clearly a pattern of behaviour that was being allowed and senior staff were, essentially, letting Giovanni get away with it. If Amanda didn’t complain it would have just carried on.”

The BBC hopes to wrap up its inquiry next week. It will come three months after the investigation began — with many connected to the show furious it has taken so long to resolve.

Judge and ex-pro Anton Du Beke has been dragged into the crisis after comments he made to dance partner Laila Rouass in 2009 were posted on social media.

Some have also accused him of “1970s-style, laddish behaviour”.

Yesterday he arrived for a show in Llandudno, North Wales — part of his tour with pal Giovanni.

Meanwhile show judge Craig Revel Horwood said complaints about dancers were a “shock” to him.

He said: “The judges are never present at any of the teaching and we literally come in on a Saturday and judge what we see before us. We’re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company, so for us it’s complete news.”

Asked if he is worried about the future of Strictly, he added: “I don’t think so. It’s one of those shows that belongs in the people’s hearts that are at home who love dancing.

“And there’s nothing better than seeing someone come from nothing, work hard and move up to being absolutely phenomenal.”

In May, the Sun revealed Giovanni had quit the BBC show after eight series.

Former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with him in 2018.

TV’s Richie Anderson unfollowed Gio on Instagram despite their 2022 partnership.

Presenter Laura Whitmore, Gio’s partner in 2016, has since said he left her in tears on a daily basis, and claims she was left “broken, mentally and physically”.

The BBC has now said stars will be chaperoned by staff at rehearsals.

It is also hiring welfare producers.

A source involved with the show also suggested the BBC should hire Hollywood-style intimacy coaches to advise the professional dancers, the Sunday Times reported.

A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.

“The BBC has duties of care to everyone — to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.”

Last night it emerged Giovanni has now given evidence to the BBC.

A spokesman for Giovanni said: “Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour. He has provided substantive evidence to the invesitgation and he remains fully confident of clearing his name.”