Amanda Abbington has broken her silence amid allegations of “abusive or threatening" behaviour aimed at her Strictly Come Dancing partner from last year Giovanni Pernice.
It has been reported the BBC is looking into three separate complaints about Pernice's conduct while working as a professional dancer on Strictly, a role he has held on the BBC since 2015.
A legal firm acting on behalf of the complainants said the broadcaster is “evidence gathering” but the BBC has not confirmed any probe has begun.
The 33-year-old released a statement on Instagram last month (on May 19) rejecting claims of any "abusive or threatening" behaviour.
In the statement, Pernice said: "To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
"I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners."
BBC releases statement on Strictly star Giovanni Pernice
On Wednesday (May 29), the BBC released a statement addressing the ongoing drama surrounding Strictly Come Dancing star Pernice.
A BBC spokesperson, speaking to The Sun, said: “It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
"Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high-profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
"If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
"This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint - that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
"Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned."
Amanda Abbington breaks silence following Giovanni Pernice allegations
Pernice's most recent partner on Strictly 2023 was Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who left the BBC ballroom show early, citing "medical reasons".
She later revealed she was “diagnosed with mild PTSD” and received death threats following her stint on Strictly.
Since leaving the show there have been reports Abbington and Pernice clashed and had rows during their time together on Strictly.
So much so Abbington, who played Mary Watson on BBC's Sherlock, did not return for the 2023 final with all the other celebrities.
Amid the ongoing allegations surrounding Pernice, Abbington has spoken out branding her former dance partner "nasty" and "awful", according to the Mail Online.
The 55-year-old actress, the Mail Online claims, said: "I asked for them (Strictly rehearsals) to be recorded, it was me.
"Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us."
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Abbington added: "You don’t understand how awful this all is.
"Giovanni’s fans have started trolling me now. I have had to come off social media and I’m getting death threats.
"All of this because I didn’t enjoy a television programme. I didn’t enjoy it because of all of this."
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