BBC bosses have said that they believe Amanda Abbington’s claims about Giovanni Pernice are “excessive” after she revealed that her time on Strictly Come Dancing had given her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sherlock actress Amanda, 51, dramatically left the show in October, midway through the series. Citing “personal reasons”, Abbington left the programme in the fifth week of the competition, which meant that Giovanni was forced to withdraw from the show himself for having no celebrity partner.
But producers at the BBC are said to have been left “baffled” by Amanda’s claims that she was traumatised during rehearsals. Abbington has since demanded that she be given tapes from training sessions during her time on the show as she looks at potential legal action against the broadcaster.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice snubbed by another partner after Amanda Abbington demand
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Insiders on the show claimed to the Mirror that Italian stallion Giovanni could be seen as a “perfectionist” and there may be times where celebs “moan” about his strict routine. However, they have insisted that Pernice has never crossed a line and that none of his previous partners have come forward with similar allegations.
(Image: SplashNews.com)
The source also blasted the actress’ claims of developing PTSD as “excessive”. In response to her allegations, the broadcaster released a strongly-worded statement on the issue on Monday (January 8), which seemed to deduce that they would have stepped in if lines were being crossed in line with their duty of care.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in our shows. 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.”
(Image: WireImage)
They added: “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.” BBC bosses are said to also be confused at the move in the wake of Amanda’s statement about her time on the show.
Taking to Instagram after she quit the show, she paid tribute to “the incredible production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after [her] and are so kind and caring”. She added: “It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.”
(Image: BBC)
As well as this, producers at the show have blasted Amanda after she cited different reasons for withdrawing from the show. Abbington had supposedly left the show for reasons unconnected with her later PTSD diagnosis.
She also slammed those who had suggested there was a rift between her and her partner, saying that the allegations were “b******t”. Amanda also told others who were stoking the fires of the rumour to “shut up”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
