Strictly's Giovanni Pernice 'wanted Amanda Abbington's training recorded' after concerns over 'behaviour'
Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice reportedly insisted that BBC chiefs record all his training sessions with Amanda Abbington, amid concerns over her "unstable behaviour".
The Italian dancer, 33, was said to be so "worried" and "unsettled" by Amanda's conduct from the second week that he felt the need to "ensure he was protected". It's claimed that Strictly bosses watched the footage daily, confirming that Giovanni's behaviour was "never out of line".
Amanda, known for her roles in Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, left the competition in the fifth week. The 52 year old actress has since expressed that she felt "broken and in tears", claiming to have experienced "mild Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" following her stint with Giovanni.
She even sought access to their rehearsal videos as part of a legal action against him. However, it has now come to light that it was actually Giovanni who requested the recording of their practice times, fearing that Amanda might cause him "trouble".
A source revealed to the Mail on Sunday: "Gio found the situation [with Amanda] very unsettling, so he asked that all sessions were recorded. It was totally unprecedented, but Gio started to see things in Amanda's behaviour and wanted to ensure he was protected. What a relief he did."
OK! has requested further comments from representatives for Giovanni and Amanda.
Last year's show saw Giovanni caught up in a tense partnership with Amanda, and then other accusations from previous celebrity partners began surfacing.
Now, Amanda and two other unnamed ex-Strictly partners are gearing up to take a legal stance against Giovanni over claims of "abusive behaviour". Meanwhile, it's reported that BBC bosses launched an internal investigation, leading Giovanni to publicly respond on Instagram.
He dismissed all accusations of "abusive or threatening behaviour", stating: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."
He went on to say: "Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
"This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."
