Amanda Abbington claims she told Strictly bosses ‘Giovanni Pernice HATES me’ in first week and reveals ‘nasty’ behaviour
AMANDA Abbington claimed she alerted Strictly Come Dancing bosses to Giovanni Pernice's alleged "nasty" behaviour in the first week of the 2023 series.
The Sherlock actress, 50, told how she reached the third day of rehearsals - super early on into the BBC series - and realised something was wrong.
Amanda opened up on ITV series Lorraine on Thursday after her hugely emotional Channel 4 interview on Wednesday night.
Constrained by legal restrictions on how much she could say, Amanda attempted to explain the conduct of the Italian professional on Strictly.
She said: "It was inappropriate.
"It was mean, it was nasty, and I put up with it for five weeks.
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"It started early on."
When Lorraine stand-in host Christine Lampard asked when she became aware there was an issue, she bluntly said: "Week one, third day.
"I have got texts to the producers saying 'he hates me' and 'I don't know what I have done wrong.'
"And that was in the first week."
Giovanni, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners - claims he strongly denies.
The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of "physical incidents" towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.
Additionally, show judge Anton Du Beke is also facing a legal probe over a historic row with former celebrity partner Laila Rouass, 53, and what has been dubbed "1970s behaviour."
Later in the interview she chatted about her new stage show, When It Happens To You, which is also launching in London.
Yet switching chat back to the investigation, she said: "I don't know what's going to happen but I know what happened in that room.
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".
"I know I've done nothing wrong.
"I left that show with my head held high."
She added: "I've got nothing to hide - I've done nothing wrong."
