Amanda Abbington denied Giovanni Pernice row amid 'threatening to quit' claims
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington previously slammed claims she rowed with Giovanni Pernice.
The Mr Sherlock actress, 51, found herself in the headlines following claims that she and her professional dancing partner Giovanni were not seeing eye-to-eye. It was claimed that Amanda had threatened to quit Strictly before the BBC One programme even started due to the nature of their feud.
In recent days, the pair have found themselves dominating the news once again after Amanda has reportedly sought legal advice after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following her experience on the show. Reports claim that the star is also asking for footage of backstage interactions and training with Giovanni.
But Amanda previously branded speculation about their partnership as "bulls**t". Days before the first show went live, reports claimed that she had been miserable over Giovanni's "aggressive training style and attitude". A source claimed to The Sun that the Italian's teaching methods can be "incredibly brusque" and upset his partners, with Amanda allegedly finding rehearsals difficult despite wanting to work with him.
At the time, hoping to silence speculation, Amanda hit out in a sweary rant on her Instagram page. She said: "Just stop it, stop it, grow up. No one gives a s***. Shut up, it's b****cks, so f*** off. You know who I'm talking to as well. Come on, jog on, it's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. It's all good."
Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tourPrior to this, Amanda explained that she had been excited to work with Giovanni. She said: "I went nuts because I wanted Giovanni, so it was a really lovely surprise." But as things became more heated, Amanda reportedly didn't tell Giovanni she was quitting the competition.
Speaking to the Daily Star, a source at the time said: "Amanda didn't tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the show. The first he heard was a call from a producer. This has really annoyed him. He's barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn't been replying to messages or telling him what's happening. He's been complaining about it to friends. He's frustrated." The mole added that Giovanni is said to be worried that the drama could potentially affect his dancing career and "make him look bad".
Amanda also failed to make any mention of Giovanni in a social media statement shared just days after she reflected on her decision and stated she didn't make it "easily or lightly" but walked away for personal reasons as she was "unable to continue". She said: "It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside."
Reports claim that the BBC has received a request for rehearsal footage as a data subject request. A source claimed: "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." They added that Giovanni could be "incredibly full-on" as he is a "perfectionist".
Giovanni and Amanda are yet to comment on the speculation but a spokesperson for the BBC said: "The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in our shows. Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.
"Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production."