TRENDING: Amanda Abbington breaks silence on Giovanni Pernice misconduct allegations as she claims dancer was ‘abusive, cruel and mean’ in first interview since quitting Strictly..

Amanda Abbington has broken her silence on the Giovanni Pernice misconduct allegations as she claimed the dancer was ‘abusive, cruel and mean.’ Speaking in her first interview since quitting Strictly Come Dancing in October, the actress, 50, said the professional’s behavior was ‘unnecessary.’

Amanda abruptly left the BBC show citing ‘personal issues’ and hasn’t been seen on screen since, even quitting social media last month in the wake of her former dance partner’s sacking. Giovanni, 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda and two other former celebrity partners.

In an interview with The Sun, she said: ‘I found Giovanni’s behavior unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.’ Amanda continued: ‘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.’

‘It’s insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash. I know the BBC have known about his behavior for years, people had complained about him and flagged his behavior to producers in the past and nothing was done. It wasn’t an isolated experience with me. I should never ever have danced with him.’ MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Giovanni’s representative for comment.

Sources previously claimed Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had an ’emotional summit’ where they ‘compared notes’ about their time working with Giovanni on the show. Amanda quit Strictly due to ‘personal reasons’ before reports she had demanded footage of their rehearsals after the experience in the competition left her with PTSD.

Meanwhile Ranvir complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show, while Laura said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while dancing with him in 2016.

The BBC are currently believed to be scouring through nine years of Strictly footage to confirm or deny claims from three celebrities. It is claimed three past contestants are compiling dossiers to hand to their £700-an-hour lawyers before sending it to BBC bosses. Giovanni is working with combative legal firm Schillings and is expected to put forward transcripts to prove he acted fairly.