Amanda Abbington blasts 'nasty' Giovanni Pernice as she speaks out amid 'abuse' claims and BBC apology plea
Amanda and Giovanni are at war over their time on Strictly together
ITV/INSTAGRAM
Amanda Abbington has broken her silence after weeks of reports and ongoing claims against the Strictly Come Dancing professional, claiming that Giovanni Pernice was "awful" to a few of the group.
For weeks, Pernice has been the subject of continuous workplace misconduct claims after the Sherlock star sought to take legal action after claiming she had PTSD from her training and the star had purposefully stood on her ground - resulting in her requesting the video footage.
Abbington and Pernice were partnered together last year but the Sherlock star withdrew from the competition and initially stated it was due to personal reasons.
The 52-year-old has now instructed the help of a law firm in order to make a claim against the Latin and Ballroom dancer - reportedly alongside two more former partners of the dancer.
Since the reports began, Pernice has fiercely defended himself and vehemently denied the claims against him, noting on his Instagram that he "rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."
Pernice - who has been part of the Strictly team since 2015 - also stated that he was the one to request their training sessions be recorded after he grew "concerned" about her behaviour during the second week of training.
Amanda dropped out of the show during week five
GETTY
Now, Abbington has spoken out for the first time and hit back that she was the one to request all their time together was filmed, branding Pernice a "nasty" person.
She claimed to Daily Mail+: "I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us. You don’t understand how awful this all is.
"Giovanni’s fans have started trolling me now. I have had to come off social media and I’m getting death threats."
She also claimed that she complained to BBC producers early on in the series, which has since forced the broadcaster to launch an investigation into his workplace conduct.
Amanda claimed Giovanni was a "nasty" person
BBC
Last week, the BBC made a rare comment on the matter and said: "It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals.
"Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints. Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high-profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation.
"Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process. If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
"This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
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Giovanni has vehemently denied the claims of abuse
BBC
"Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further."
Over the weekend, it was reported that Pernice has been told to apologise by BBC bosses after accusations of serious workplace misconduct.
A source told The Sun: “The female executives realised there was a serious problem with Giovanni’s teaching style so installed cameras and a crew member to take notes on a log after about two weeks of them starting training.
“When the women reviewed the footage they were shocked by what they saw and asked Giovanni to apologise for his behaviour.”
It has not been said whether Pernice will be returning to the dance show this year.
GB News has contacted Pernice's representatives for comment on the saga.