Amanda Abbington, looking thoughtful and a bit weary, was spotted checking her phone after making a dramatic return to the spotlight.
This came hot on the heels of her intense Channel 4 interview where she revisited her troubling experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.
Abbington, who appeared on the show last year, reiterated her claims of backstage abuse and alleged that former dancer Giovanni Pernice was trying to prevent the release of up to 50 hours of “toxic” footage.
In her interview with presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Abbington likened the dance show to being “in the trenches.”
She stated that BBC producers were reportedly “horrified” by footage showing what she described as “humiliating behavior of a sexual nature.”
According to Abbington, the footage was recorded after she raised concerns, leading producers to install cameras in the rehearsal studio to monitor the situation.
Abbington revealed that Giovanni Pernice, who was dismissed from the show following the controversy, allegedly attempted to block her legal team from accessing this footage.
Giovanni has denied any abusive behavior, and a spokesperson for him urged people to wait for the review’s conclusion before drawing any conclusions.
Giovanni Pernice has strongly refuted the allegations, claiming he has provided evidence to the BBC investigators to clear his name.
He criticized the latest claims as unfounded and emphasized that the BBC’s findings do not align with Abbington’s recent statements.
The BBC has stated that they have longstanding protocols for handling injuries and complaints and are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their contestants.
They also highlighted that they take any issues raised seriously and are continually working to improve support and welfare measures.
Amanda’s Struggle and Public Backlash
Abbington’s revelations extend beyond the show’s internal issues. She has faced severe online harassment, including death threats and vile messages directed at her and her family.
She described the harassment as “brutal and relentless,” noting that it intensified after her allegations became public.
Despite the personal toll, Abbington emphasized that her intention is not to bring down Strictly Come Dancing.
She expressed a deep sense of disappointment about her own experience and called for an environment where contestants can voice concerns without fear of retaliation.
The Show’s Ongoing Issues
The Strictly saga continues to unravel with other dancers also stepping down amid separate controversies.
Graziano Di Prima was recently let go following allegations of physical misconduct, and Paralympian Will Bayley criticized the show’s handling of injuries.
As rehearsals for the new season get underway, BBC insiders are reportedly frustrated with the ongoing drama.
There are concerns that Abbington’s continued focus on her grievances could overshadow the show’s positive aspects and impact its public image.
Moving Forward
The BBC remains committed to addressing any issues that arise and is working to ensure that all concerns are handled appropriately.
As for Amanda Abbington, she remains a vocal advocate for improved standards and support for all participants, hoping that her experiences will lead to meaningful changes in how such matters are managed on the show.
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