Strictly star Amanda Abbington takes defiant swipe at Giovanni Pernice after he branded her a ‘mad woman’
AMANDA Abbington has taken a defiant swipe at Giovanni Pernice, just hours after he allegedly branded her a 'mad woman'.
The Sherlock actress, 50, stepped out today and sent a powerful message back to the Sicilian pro dancer amid the pair's ongoing Strictly Come Dancing row.
Giovanni was on stage at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester at the weekend, as part of his Together tour with Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
And he appeared to take a pointed jibe at Amanda as he vowed to the audience that he would be back on their screens soon.
He said: “Oh, I will be back, don’t you worry, let’s see what this mad woman has got to say next.
Anton replied: “Gio you can't say that.”
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Today, Amanda was spotted arriving at theatre rehearsals in London and her choice of clothing was very telling.
In photos obtained by the Mirror, the actress was wearing a brown jumper with the slogan: "You're only as cool as you treat people."
Amanda appeared in good spirits as she walked with a pal while holding a coffee.
She went make-up free as she made her way to the Park Theatre, where she is appearing in the play When It Happens To You.
Amanda broken her silence this weekend, as she spoke to The Sun on Sunday about her ordeal on the BBC entertainment show.
In a powerful chat, she 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.
She continued: “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."
Amanda also told how she’d been hit by death threats in her quest to uncover the truth.
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.”
Since Amanda took legal advice over her experience on the Saturday night juggernaut, Strictly Come Dancing has been mired in one crisis after the next.
Last Saturday, news broke that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from the series for his treatment of Zara McDermott.
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He is alleged to have "hit, kicked and spat at" his celebrity partner during their rehearsals and these incidents were said to have been caught on video.
The BBC's internal enquiry into the backstage goings on are still ongoing.