07 March 2024 , 20:17
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Amanda Abbington has hit back at reports she has dropped her complaint against the BBC after previously demanding the corporation hand over all footage of her and Strictly Come Dancing co-star Giovanni Pernice in rehearsals.
The 52-year-old actress was one of the fifteen celebrities taking part in season 21 of Strictly that aired on the BBC last year. She was partnered with 33-year-old dance professional Giovanni - but the couple abruptly withdrew from the competition after five weeks as Amanda battled a health issue.
Their withdrawal followed weeks of speculation that the pair had clashed behind-the-scenes of the BBC show - and those rumours intensified earlier this year when it was revealed Amanda was considering legal action and had reportedly demanded that all footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni be handed over. On Thursday, a report suggested that Amanda had stopped her complaint against the BBC - but now a spokesperson for the star has denied this.
It was suggested Amanda’s action against the BBC has fizzled out as she did not pursue her complaint following her request for footage from the show. It had previously been suggested that her complaint against the BBC also saw her take aim at Giovanni.
Amanda is believed to have a fraught relationship with dance partner Giovanni Pernice (PA)A source has told the Daily Mail: “The whole thing was baffling but when Amanda contacted the BBC, she wanted some answers. But she hasn’t followed it through and the matter is now closed.”
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The source also said: “Her complaint was of course looked at but they were adamant that Giovanni had done nothing wrong. The BBC were ready to fight her.” When asked for a comment about the report, Amanda's spokesperson rubbished the claim - telling the Mirror: "there is no truth to this story" and that there is "nothing more to elaborate on."
The Mirror also contacted the BBC - who declined the opportunity to comment. Back in January, Amanda opened up about her PTSD diagnosis - hinting that death threats sent to her during her time on the show contributed to the condition.
She told The Sun at the time: “I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally. I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”
Also in January, a source told the Mirror that the BBC were surprised by Amanda’s complaints about her dance partner. The source said at the time that bosses at the corporation felt complaints against Giovanni were “excessive”. And a BBC spokesman 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.”