The BBC has broken their silence following claims that Amanda Abbington has requested footage from her rehearsals with pro Giovanni Pernice during her time on Strictly Come Dancing.
Fans of the beloved dance competition will remember how the 51-year-old actress suddenly quit the show back in October. At the time she told fans that her reasons behind her impromptu departure was due to personal reasons.
However, the Sherlock star has since revealed she has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Following her backstage rows with the Italian dancer, she has demanded access to recordings after taking legal advice.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice snubbed by another partner after Amanda Abbington demand
READ MORE: BBC bosses ‘baffled’ as Amanda Abbington claims Strictly stint gave her PTSD
Now, BBC bosses have reportedly insisted Amanda’s complaints are being taken “incredibly seriously”. A spokesperson for the BBC told The Sun: “The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in out shows.
(Image: amanda_abbington74/Instagram)
“Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.
“Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production.” According to the publication, the BBC have received a request for the footage as a data subject request.
A friend of the actress reportedly told the online news site that she had been left “broken and saddened” by the experience and has “needed therapy and was left in sock by the behaviour she was exposed to.” They went on to reveal that it has taken months for her to get over what she went through, and it was a “real shock” after being so excited to compete on the show.
(Image: BBC)
It comes after it was reported that Amanda wasn’t invited back for the show’s finale last year. An insider claimed: “There was a lot of talk on set about Amanda’s notable absence from the finale. It seemed unfair that Nigel was invited back and she wasn’t.
“I imagine she was upset by the snub as it would have been nice to have seen her return for one last dance, especially as she was so popular on the show and well-liked by viewers.” After her sudden departure hit the headlines, Amanda took to social media to explain why she had to withdraw – but didn’t fully explain why.
She wrote: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
(Image: BBC)
“It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside. I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring.
“It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.” Prior to the live shows starting in September, sources claimed that Amanda had threatened to quit over Giovanni’s “militant and aggressive” behaviour in the training room.
A source told The Sun at the time: “Giovanni is a hard taskmaster and takes the competition very, very seriously. Sometimes his manner is incredibly brusque and this can upset his partners.
(Image: PA)
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“Amanda was really looking forward to dancing with him but has found his aggressive training and attitude pretty difficult to handle.” However, Amanda appeared to hit back at the claims at the time by sharing a photo of herself with the Italian dancer beaming during rehearsals.
She penned: “The smile you give your pro partner at the end of the camera rehearsal when you know you are in safe and hugely talented hands. Giovanni Pernice ya legend.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
