The controversy surrounding Strictly champion Giovanni Pernice’s teaching methods continues, with his former partner Amanda Abbington sharing more of her perspective over the weekend
According to the Daily Mail, the actress aimed to clarify the truth about who requested that their training sessions be recorded, as earlier reports had suggested it was the BBC’s idea.
According to journalist Katie Hind, the Sherlock star commented: “I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.”
Amanda hasn’t previously spoken in such detail about her time on the BBC dance competition.
She also told the publication: “I went to producers early on and told them about Giovanni,” and shared that she’s received death threats, saying: “You don’t understand how awful this all is. Giovanni’s fans have started trolling me now. I have had to come off social media and I’m getting death threats.”
At the beginning of the last series, Giovanni and Amanda initially impressed viewers and judges with their polished routines. However, rumors soon began circulating that the pair were not getting along, which they initially dismissed.
Amanda then abruptly quit the show for “personal reasons” in October, later telling The Sun on Sunday: “I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons…”
She has since spoken out about her discomfort with Giovanni’s teaching methods and reportedly met with some of his other former partners, who are rumored to share similar feelings.
Last month, reports surfaced that Giovanni had left the show, but neither he nor the BBC has confirmed whether he will be part of the program when it returns to our screens in the autumn.
