Amanda Abbington quit Strictly last year (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Amanda Abbington opens up on her next role and surprise dream career after Giovanni Pernice row

Amanda Abbington is looking to the future following her high-profile row with her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice - and she's got big plans.

by · Daily Record

After her headline-grabbing stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Amanda Abbington has opened up about her forthcoming projects and unexpected desire to join the world of soap operas.

The 50-year-old Sherlock actress made waves earlier in the year when she lodged accusations of bullying against Giovanni Pernice, 34, during their time on the prestigious BBC dance competition.

This situation led to a formal inquiry by the broadcaster. Subsequently, last month, the BBC extended an apology to Amanda after some of her less severe allegations against the professional Italian dancer were corroborated.

Amidst the turmoil, which saw Amanda become the subject of death threats, she's vowed to back away from reality television for good. Yet, this does not mean she’s dialling down her career aspirations, reports the Mirror.

Reflecting on her future in the limelight after captivating audiences at London's Park Theatre, she expressed: "Acting is my first love. I'd like to try directing too, so that's something I'm looking into and writing - but me and reality TV really don't get on with each other!"

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In addition to exploring the director's chair, Abbington has confided another goal to Closer magazine – landing a role on iconic British soap EastEnders. Given that the filming location, Elstree Studios, is just a stone's throw from her residence, she exclaimed: "I love EastEnders and they film just down the road from me."

Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington on the show last year (Image: PA)

When probing if a Walford gig would be her ultimate ambition, she eagerly stated: "I'd certainly love to do it. Anything that piques my interest is always something that I'd love to do."

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda had been expected to excel when paired with professional dancer Giovanni last year, but her time on the show ended acrimoniously when she withdrew citing health reasons. It has since emerged that Amanda was dealing with a breast cancer scare during her time on the show, in addition to alleged abuse from Giovanni.

Following her departure, Amanda lodged a complaint against Giovanni, alleging that he had used derogatory language towards her - claims that he has consistently denied. A subsequent BBC investigation largely cleared Giovanni of wrongdoing, but did acknowledge some of Amanda's allegations and issued an apology.

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In a recent interview, Amanda recounted discovering two non-cancerous lumps in her breast during her final week on the show, expressing relief that her health concerns provided a legitimate reason for her to leave the competition.

Responding to the BBC's statement on her allegations, Amanda stated that speaking out "was not an easy thing to do", adding: "This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were "not enough."

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