Amanda Abbington went ‘nuclear’ after Strictly ‘backed’ Giovanni – as probe is sparked into ‘serious complaints’
AMANDA Abbington “went nuclear” after hearing Strictly Come Dancing bosses had hoped Giovanni Pernice would return this year, according to reports.
Giovanni, 33, has now quietly bowed out of the BBC show, as The Sun exclusively revealed, but Strictly bosses apparently wanted him back.
But according to the Daily Mail, Sherlock actress Amanda – who was partnered with Giovanni last year – lost her cool when she found out.
Amanda, 52, quit Strictly during her 2023 run and later claimed she was suffering from mild PTSD from her time on the show.
So the news that Strictly were prepared to ‘welcome Giovanni back with open arms’ did not go down well.
Amanda recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram, saying: “Make people feel embarrassed of being associated with misogynists. Make misogyny unprofitable for anyone to pursue. Deprive misogyny of the oxygen it needs to survive.”
A source has now told the Mail: “Amanda was most certainly referring to Giovanni going back to Strictly and surely that was the point that prompted her to go nuclear.”
The Sun has told how the BBC has now launched an internal investigation after three former contestants instructed lawyers.
News of the formal complaints – logged separately but by the same top legal firm, Carter Ruck – come after The Sun revealed the Sicilian dancer had quit the hit BBC dance show.
While the three complainants have not been named, they are understood to be Amanda and two other high profile stars.
A spokeswoman, from £700 an hour Carter Ruck, said: “There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
“As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage”.
The probe, which is investigating serious workplace misconduct, is likely to look at rehearsal footage of Giovanni and Amanda last year.
The BBC declined to comment on the internal investigation or Giovanni’s own evidence.
Who is Giovanni Pernice
GIOVANNI Pernice was a Strictly Come Dancing professional.
But just days ago The Sun exclusively revealed that the professional dancer officially quit the show.
Born on September 5, 1990, Giovanni is a dancer from Sicily.
Gio joined Strictly in 2015 and has become a fan favourite.
He reached the final in his first year with actress Georgia May Foote before triumphing in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Specialising in Latin style, Giovanni has won a number of competitions, most notably, the Italian Open Championship in 2012.
The talented dancer is also a Guinness World Record holder for Jive kicks and flicks, as well as Charleston swivels.
Giovanni, meanwhile, has always denied any wrongdoing.
Gio – who has now escaped the UK with his girlfriend Molly Brown – joined Strictly in 2015 and has become a fan favourite.
He reached the final in his first year with actress Georgia May Foote, and triumphing in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.