Amanda Abbington says 'I don't make problems or trouble' in bombshell Strictly interview

Amanda Abbington spoke about Giovanni Pernice in an interview with Victoria Derbyshire on Newsnight on Wednesday following the outcome of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing review

Actor Amanda Abbington has said that she's "open to criticism" as she reflected on the outcome of the BBC's internal investigation into her Strictly Come Dancing claims.

Amanda, 50, previously announced following her stint on the show last year that she had complained about her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33. She made allegations of "bullying" and "aggressive behaviour," with Giovanni strongly denying "abusive or threatening behaviour".

Victoria read out Giovanni's past statement at one point during Amanda's bombshell interview, adding that the Italian dancer told Newnight: "We are unable to comment any further and the BBC has asked both parties to respect confidentially." Giovanni has previously strongly denied all of Amanda's past allegations.

The BBC launched an internal investigation and the long-awaited results were released this week. It was announced that the BBC ruled that Giovanni was not physically abusive, but that Amanda's complaints about verbal bullying and harassment were upheld. Out of up to 17 allegations against Giovanni, six were upheld.

During an appearance on Newsnight on Wednesday, Amanda shared her account, saying that there had been an "ongoing litany of being verbally abused, sexual innuendo [and] sexual gestures". She alleged that there was once a 35 minute "rant" at her, in which she claims that Giovanni was "calling her names".

Amanda told host Victoria Derbyshire: "This went on y'know for seven hours a day for seven weeks. There were pockets of time when it was okay and we got on, which was wrong-footing for me because when you were in that room [...] you never really knew where you were from one minute to the next."

The former Sherlock star, who said that she "shut down" as a result, was then asked by Victoria how she would respond to the alleged criticism. Amanda commented: "I'm open to criticism. I can be criticised all the live long day, but it was ..." Victoria interjected: "So this is not just normal criticism in the working environment?"

Amanda responded: "No. I'm not ... I doesn't make problems or trouble where there isn't any. I've worked 32 years as an actress [...] and I have never had to leave a job or had to experience anything like I did in that rehearsal room. I don't ever make accusations lightly and this was one of the hardest things I had to do."

As previously reported, in a statement announcing the conclusion of the review into her claims, the BBC said earlier this week: "The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by [Amanda] against [Giovanni]. We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.

"[Strictly] 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."

The broadcaster added: "We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. 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."

Amanda then issued a statement in which she said that the apology "meant a lot" to her. She said as part of her statement: "Today's apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint. It's not just a vindication for me, it's a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on [Strictly]. I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed. The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering." She added: "What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they've promised, to ensure others don't experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did."

Giovanni - who is no longer on Strictly - also addressed the outcome of the review. He told his followers in a video: "Reading stuff that were untrue, wasn't the nicest time of my life lets be honest. But today I'm happy because, you know, at the beginning there were very very serious allegations thrown out at me but as in today, none of the serious allegations have been upheld. All the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld."

And in a written statement, a spokesperson for him said: "We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni. [He] is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."

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