Actress Amanda Abbington has spoken out about her decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing early in 2023, stating she "would not have been able to live with myself" had she remained silent about her experience on the show. The 50-year-old Sherlock star revealed that she deliberated "long and hard" before lodging a complaint with the BBC regarding the conduct of her former dance partner Giovanni Pernice, whom she described as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean," due to anticipated "backlash". Pernice, who has firmly denied "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour" will not be returning to the dance competition this year.
He has expressed on Instagram in June that he is "cooperating fully" with the "BBC investigation" that is currently underway. READ MORE: 'I tried the fry-up at the "beautiful" Greater Manchester spot named one of the region’s best' In an interview with the Sun On Sunday, Abbington recounted: "I found Giovanni's behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn't sit back and let him do that to other people.
" She continued, explaining her rationale for coming forward: "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." Abbington was adamant about the evidence of the incident, saying, "I know what happened in that room, it's on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that.
" (Image: PA Archive/PA Images) Emphasising the importance of a supportive environment, she added, "It's a duty of care that is needed." She further commented on the need for respect and safety during rehearsals: "Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn't extended to me on this job." Reflecting on her own behaviour during the partnership, Abbington said, "I was being as amenable as possible and it wasn't being reciprocated, that's all.
" Concluding her remarks, she highlighted the reason for her complaint: "And I wanted to complain about it because I didn't think it was fair - this is a publicly owned company. It's insane what has happened to me, with the death threats and backlash." She further claimed that the BBC was aware of Pernice's conduct, stating "it wasn't an isolated experience with me".
Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington on Strictly (Image: PA Media) Abbington had previously described her time on the show as "tough and horrible" in a Sunday Times interview. Pernice, in a May Instagram post, refuted the allegations, expressing his desire to clear his name: "Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive," the 33 year old professional, who joined the dance show in 2015, penned. "No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
" He continued: "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." Graziano Di Prima, another professional dancer, confirmed his departure from Strictly last weekend following allegations regarding his treatment of reality star Zara McDermott during their stint together on the show last year.
Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima (Image: PA Wire/PA Images) Di Prima expressed remorse in his statement, saying he deeply regrets "the events that led to my departure from Strictly". His spokesman, Mark Borkowski, earlier told PA news agency that Di Prima had been left "in a very vulnerable state" amidst "the deluge of commentary, too often without context or nuance". Former Love Island star McDermott expressed her anxieties over opening up about her experiences, fearing "public backlash" and "victim shaming", in a post on social media.
She also admitted she had spoken "candidly" about her time on the show to the BBC. On July 16, providing an update on welfare procedures, the BBC announced it would introduce measures to "strengthen welfare and support" on the show, including a constant presence of a chaperone during training room rehearsals. According to various sources, Abbington is expected on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday.
The BBC and Pernice have been reached out to for their comments..
