Amanda Abbington told 'you'll die on stage' after Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal

Amanda Abbington has spoken out about the death threats she received in the wake of her Strictly Come Dancing scandal - and the terrifying warning she was given during a theatre performance

Amanda Abbington has bravely spoken out about the chilling bomb and death threats she received following the Strictly Come Dancing controversy.

The actress initially withdrew from the popular BBC show last year citing "medical reasons," but later lodged a complaint against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice after appearing on the show last year. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, she described the period since lodging the complaint as "the worst year of her life".

She has now disclosed that she was threatened with violence as she prepared for her play, When It Happens To You. She was warned that she would be "stabbed" if she proceeded with the performance, reports Birmingham Live.

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Despite this, Amanda courageously continued with the show. She confessed to being "terrified" at the time but was determined not to "let bullies win".

In an interview with Closer, she revealed: "We had death threats and bomb threats at the theatre. Specifically at me, because of Strictly.

"Every night I went out - they're not going to stop me doing my job. It's terrifying but I just think I'm not going to let the bullies win."

The BBC issued an apology to the 53-year-old actress after upholding six of the 17 complaints she made. These included allegations of verbal bullying and harassment against Pernice, according to BBC News.

However, the dancer was exonerated of physical aggression. Pernice has consistently denied the accusations levelled against him.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in August that an investigation was underway into death threats sent to former Sherlock actress Amanda. A spokesperson told the Standard: "We were called at about 10am on Monday, August 12 by a staff member at a theatre in Finsbury Park following receipt of an alleged malicious communication."

The police force confirmed that no arrests have been made.

However, Amanda expressed her relief at having spoken out, stating that it's essential to "stand up and say something" when "something is bothering you". Despite being unable to continue in the competition, Amanda's love for dancing remains, and she often finds herself dancing in her kitchen.

Following her experience on Strictly, Amanda expressed her reluctance to participate in another reality show, instead revealing her interest in appearing on EastEnders. In response to the incidents, the BBC has implemented several changes to the current series of Strictly, including the introduction of chaperones in rehearsals, new welfare workers, and 15 training room observers to monitor rehearsals.