Strike a pose and ignore the drama...(Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)

Strictly legends unite amid Amanda Abbington bombshell claims with beaming new photo

Former Strictly Come Dancing stars appear to be shrugging off the drama surrounding the BBC programme as they put on a united front after Amanda Abbington's claims

by · The Mirror

Strictly Come Dancing stars have brushed off Amanda Abbington's allegations.

The Sherlock actress recently spoke to BBC Newsnight's Victoria Derbyshire as she claimed she was investigating further allegations that the BBC had upheld. The star filed a complaint about her former professional partner Giovanni Pernice and claimed she had since been diagnosed with PTSD after being verbally abused by Pernice.

He has strongly denied all allegations and recently blasted Amanda's Newsnight interview. A spokesperson for the Italian dancer said he found it "disappointing" claiming Amanda "knowingly misled the outcome of the report." But stars of the show who have branded themselves "legends of the dancefloor", appear to be putting the bombshell claims to the back of their minds.

Former Strictly stars James Jordan, Brendan Cole, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian White appeared to be in high spirits as they took to the stage together. The group headed to De Montford Hall in Leicester for the first night of their "legends" tour which saw them performing to a packed audience.

James Jordan appeared to be in his element back on the stage( Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)

However, James Jordan who quit Strictly back in 2013 admitted he was extremely nervous to get back on the stage. Taking to Instagram, he said: "Last night was EPIC!!!! Never thought I would perform on stage again all these years after leaving Strictly - and the feedback had been amazing."

The group were seen showcasing their best moves to the sold-out audience who couldn't contain their joy as they erupted with cheers during the performance. One image sees the five men dressed in their finest morning suits as they halt the performance to interact with members of the crowd.

Despite his initial worries, James looked to be in his element as he danced about on the stage with a stunning support dancer before a group of scantily dressed dancers surrounded him for a solo performance. The show seemed to be a roaring success as the group switched into a new outfit, revealing their muscular chests to the wild audience.

The show legends appeared to be brushing off the controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing( Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)

While the dancers certainly made the most of their time on stage, Strictly judge Anton du Beke is believed to have sent each star a box of champagne, with James Jordan being seen carrying a box following the show – with a note attached. James has previously spoken about his experience on Strictly and believes the cases surrounding Amanda and Zara McDermott were "two isolated incidents". However, several of Giovanni's former partners, including presenter Laura Whitmore have spoken to the BBC about their experience and claimed it was far from perfect.

The "legends" outing came after Amanda Abbington revealed the BBC had upheld several of the 17 allegations she made against Giovanni Pernice. The BBC expressed regret to Amanda after confirming some of the grievances levied at the renowned Italian dancer, acknowledging six of the 17 issues she brought forward during her time twirling on the dance floor.

The group have been delighting fans across the country( Image: TERRY BLACKBURN / BACKGRID)

The internal investigation uncovered several moments of "inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace" including an incident where Pernice made an improper signal clear violation of the BBC codes. In reflecting on the BBCs proclamation, Amanda emphasised that coming forward "was not an easy thing to do."

Meanwhile, the BBC asserted: "Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience. It is a great shame if this hasn't been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show. We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do."

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