Amanda Abbington bizarrely PRAISES Gio & says Strictly probe was ‘never personal’… but still makes dig over new romance
SHE accused him of being “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” towards her on Strictly Come Dancing – leading to his departure from the series and a BBC investigation.
But Amanda Abbington has now astonishingly claimed her complaints against Giovanni Pernice were “never personal” and even praised his talent on the dancefloor.
Opening up in an exclusive interview, the 51-year-old says she hopes she has made Strictly a “happier place” and gives her former dance partner’s new romance the thumbs up – though it still comes with a subtle barb about their tumultuous training sessions.
Giovanni won the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con la Stelle, with Bianca Guaccero, 44 in December and he now appears to be head over heels with the stunning Italian actress.
“Hopefully that will mellow him a little bit,” Amanda laughs. “Maybe love is what saves the day I think, and if he can settle down and find love then maybe he will be a better teacher.”
She adds: “I mean you can say what you like about him, but he’s a very good dancer.”
Amanda welcomes the ten-year age gap between Giovanni, 34, and his new amore, arguing the Italian stallion could do with the influence of an older woman.
“I hope she keeps him in line,” she says. “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.”
Her comments come as she closes the chapter on “one of the worst years” of her life – which saw her go to war against the BBC over bullying allegations, with the broadcaster ultimately upholding “some, but not all” of her complaints.
The Sherlock actress initially debuted on Strictly in 2023 alongside former ballroom winner Giovanni, but pulled out five weeks later due to “personal reasons”.
Last July, she spoke out about the alleged abuse she’d suffered, saying she’d been subjected to “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” in a “toxic environment”, and demanding the BBC hand over footage from their training sessions.
The furore caused Giovanni, who denied all allegations, to leave the show, and also prompted the BBC to launch a formal investigation.
The fallout also led to fellow pro Graziano di Prima getting the boot, following reports he “physically and verbally abused” his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.
In September, the Beeb announced it had ruled out Amanda’s accusations of physical aggression and threatening behaviour, but did uphold claims of verbal bullying and harassment.
It also made some changes behind the scenes, placing chaperones in all training areas.
In the aftermath of her complaints, Amanda said she’d “been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’” and had also received death threats.
But as far as she’s concerned, the investigation’s findings were a win – not just for her, but for everyone working on the series.
“I hope it’s a happier place,” she says. “It was something that I never really wanted to do in terms of pursuing a complaint, but it was never personal. It was all about a healthy working environment, that’s what it was.
“I’m friends with a few of the dancers, so I still see a lot of the professional dancers, and we’re still in touch. I think it’s a great show, and I hope it’s [now] a good environment there.”
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”.
Looking to the future, the actress said she’s busy planning her wedding to her partner, daredevil stuntman and former Britain’s Got Talent star Jonathan Goodwin.
The couple previously planned to get married this year, but were forced to postpone proceedings until 2026 due to “litigation and other things” relating to her fiancé.
Jonathan, who’s paralysed from the waist down after sustaining injuries during a stunt rehearsal for America’s Got Talent: Extreme, is still locked in legal cases involving his accident.
The 45-year-old had only been dating Amanda for five weeks back in 2021 when he was crushed between two burning cars while hanging upside down.
Nevertheless, the couple are now focused on saying “I do” in 2026 and running their very full home in Hertfordshire.
“We’re not married yet, but it will take place next year – we’ve got lots on,” Amanda said.
“We’re having a good year…Our dog got pregnant in December, so we’ve got 11 Dachsunds (puppies) now. We’re giving them to good homes, so there’s been a lot of chaos, but wonderful chaos.”
As for her career goals, the actress is currently treading the boards on stage, but she’s willing to throw her hat in the ring for a coveted spot on the Loose Women panel.
“It’s nice to have women’s views on things,” she said, “as long as we don’t paint ourselves as miserable old hags.
“I think women of a certain age tend to get painted as miserable and moaning and complaining, and I think it would be good to get up there and have fun.
“They’re great women, and I know a few of them, like Denise Welch, I love her!”