Amanda Abbington is reportedly seeking legal assistance to obtain BBC tapes of her rehearsals with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing. The 52-year-old actress, who left the show abruptly last year citing medical reasons, has been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder following her experience.
According to reports, Abbington is looking to instruct lawyer Persephone Bridgman Baker to prepare a legal letter to the BBC to secure the footage. She has also linked up with other former dance partners of Pernice, including Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh and former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, who has admitted she “cried every day” during her Strictly stint.
The Sherlock star revealed she received death threats after quitting the competition in October. She said: “I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life… I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health.”
Giovanni Pernice has since spoken out about Abbington's early exit, expressing his disappointment. In an interview on the Invite Only podcast with judge Anton Du Beke, the Italian dancer said: “It's a shame because, in my opinion, she could have gone all the way. I am a perfectionist, 100%, but it comes from a perspective of caring.” He emphasised that professional dancers on such shows always strive to help their partners look their best on Saturday night.
Anton Du Beke echoed Pernice's positive assessment of Abbington's talent, comparing her to former contestant Kelvin Fletcher who impressed from the first week. “I thought you and Amanda were marvellous,” Anton told Pernice. “She was terrific straight away.”
