Before their partnership on Strictly Come Dancing, Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington hinted to their alleged dispute.
The Sherlock actress, 51, and the Italian dancer, 33, reportedly argued behind the scenes before she departed the BBC ballroom programme after only four weeks owing to’medical concerns’.
Amanda has never publicly addressed the rumours, however she did confess earlier today that she was diagnosed with PTSD following her Strictly stint, despite allegations that she was ‘left devastated and distraught’ by her time on the BBC show.
The insider also claimed at the start of the year that the Mr Selfridge actress had asked for video footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni and was seeking legal counsel.
They said she was’really upset by having to spend eight hours a day with Giovanni’ and’spent a lot of time sobbing’, describing Giovanni as a ‘perfectionist’ who can be ‘very full-on.’
Now, an old interview with Giovanni has surfaced in which he discussed his competitive attitude, maybe explaining the reason for his ‘clash’ with Amanda.
He told The Guardian in 2022: ‘Then came the experience of winning – something I became addicted to.
‘The first time I won a competition, I thought: “Being the champion feels nice. Let me have more of it!”‘
On Sunday, Amanda told The Sun she was diagnosed with ‘mild PTSD’ after Strictly for ‘several reasons’ and had also received death threats.
She said she told ‘a few people’ about her diagnosis in ‘the utmost confidence,’ along with ‘other things that were happening’ in her life at the time.
Amanda said she was ‘very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats,’ claiming people were even threatening her children and ‘bringing up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner.’
The actress, who previously married BBC Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman and has two children with him, went on to thank individuals who were’so kind, kind, and supportive’ of her during the Strictly turmoil.
It came after a source told The Sun that the BBC ‘received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni. It is known as a data subject access request.’
‘There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense,’ they added.
According to the magazine, Giovanni has subsequently been guaranteed of his spot on the prime-time show.
A phone discussion allegedly occurred between Giovanni’s management and Strictly bosses to discuss the recurring reports and to ensure his well-being.
An insider remarked ‘there are two sides to every story’.
‘The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn’t bullied or abused anyone.
‘The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him,’ the insider concluded.
On Thursday, Giovanni shared a statement on Instagram where he announced a new live show, Let Me Entertain You, and added: ‘I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent messages of support over the last week – I really truly appreciate it – thank you thank you thank you.’
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.