Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington has reportedly “demanded to see backstage footage” from rehearsals during her time following her sudden exit.
The 51-year-old actress is reportedly seeking legal advice and wants to review recordings from her time in the studio with dance partner Giovanni Pernice. She unexpectedly quit the BBC competition in October citing medical reasons.
A Strictly spokesperson said at the time: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
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However, an insider told The Sun: “The BBC have received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni. It is known as a data subject access request. There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense.” Daily star has reached out to representatives for Giovanni, Amanda and the BBC for a comment.
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
After Amanda quit the show, her professional partner Giovanni paid tribute online, offering his best wishes to her on his Instagram. Judge Craig Revel Horwood admitted at the time that he felt “so sad” when he heard the news about Amanda’s departure.
“I was so sad to hear that Amanda Abbington had withdrawn from the competition,” Craig revealed in an interview with Best magazine. “I couldn’t wait to see her dance the cha-cha-cha alongside professional partner Giovanni. So I’m disappointed I won’t get to see their future dances,” he continued. “But I enjoyed watching her Strictly journey and wish her all the best.”
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Craig’s comments come after Amanda urged fans “to be kind” when writing comments, as she opened up on comments could “push people over the edge” if they were malicious or “cruel”. In her first interview after leaving the show, she spoke on Boogaloo Radio about the need to be positive.
She explained: “My thing at the moment is ‘be kind’, it’s always been ‘be kind’. You don’t know what someone else is going through, you have no idea what’s going on in their life, so before you say anything hateful and cruel just check yourself.”
(Image: @amanda_abbington74/Instagram)
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Amanda hit out against those who had sent her hate during her time on the show, encouraging them to send more love as “it takes so much more energy to be hateful”. She added that the world we live in allows for anonymity, but asked viewers to hold off on hateful words. It could push someone over the edge to do something. And God know we have to look after each other,” she said during the interview.
The TV actress didn’t attend the Strictly 2023 live final last month as claims of a “feud” with partner Giovanni emerged. However, In a statement a spokesperson for the show said at the time: “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
