Amanda Abbington 'deeply disappointed' with BBC amid Strictly's Giovanni Pernice 'protection' fears
Amanda Abbington is reportedly outraged with the BBC's handling of Giovanni Pernice's bullying investigation. The actress accused her Strictly Come Dancing partner, Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice, of bullying during their time together on the show, prompting an internal inquiry. Giovanni has denied the allegations.
With a conclusion to the matter expected soon, reports suggest Amanda is bracing for what she fears could be a dismissive "whitewash" of a report. A source told The Sun that Amanda is "deeply disappointed" by the BBC's approach. They said: "As well as the probe taking so long, it feels like they are protecting Giovanni to save themselves and ignoring not only her experience but that of other women who've bravely come forward."
This same source described Amanda as feeling "tired, upset and very angry" about the way the broadcaster has responded to her allegations. It was further suggested that Amanda fears there will be a "predictable whitewash' coming and that others could also suffer, reports the Mirror.
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OK! has reached out to representatives for Amanda and Giovanni. The duo, who danced together on last season's Strictly Come Dancing, made headlines after Amanda left the show unexpectedly only five weeks in. While initially citing health reasons for her departure, Amanda later opened up about the experience, describing Giovanni's behaviour as 'abusive' during their rehearsals - which he denies.
In a previous revelation to The Sun on Sunday, Amanda disclosed her PTSD diagnosis, attributing it to Giovanni's "inappropriate behaviour".
She expressed her concerns saying: "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."
Despite Giovanni's vehement denial of any wrongdoing, he won't be appearing in the next series, which is gearing up for a return on Saturday (14 September).
Among the stars set to light up the dance floor this year are Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, TOWIE's Pete Wicks, Olympian Sam Quek MBE, actors Shayne Ward and Jamie Borthwick, presenter Nick Knowles, and JLS star JB Gill. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be back as hosts for the 14-week run, culminating in a live final on December 14.
Also joining the line-up are eighties icon Toyah Wilcox, Wynne Evans, Paul Merson, Sarah Hadland, Tom Dean MBE and Montell Douglas.