STRICTLY Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington has admitted she would “vomit and cry” after rehearsals with Giovanni Pernice.
The 50-year-old actress quit the show – and her former dance partner is facing misconduct accusations, which he denies.
Since he was axed by BBC bosses, Amanda says she has faced “death and rape threats”, telling The Times in an emotional interview: “I’ve had the worst experience.
“The show was tough and horrible, but the aftermath of it I was not expecting.
“It’s been really brutal and it just hasn’t stopped.”
Breaking down in tears, Amanda says: “It’s been awful, just relentless. Death threats and rape threats for just standing up for something that I thought was wrong.”
Amanda says her husband Jonathan Goodwin has been her greatest supporter – reassuring her when she began second guessing her own account of her Strictly ordeal.
She added: “He’d go, ‘Yes, you would come home and you’d vomit, you’d cry, and you’d think you were not good enough. You were a shadow, a shell‘.”
Giovanni, 33, has denied any inappropriate behaviour, writing on Instagram back in May: “Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”
The Sun on Sunday revealed last night that his former co-star Graziano Di Prima has now also been sacked for gross misconduct amid claims he hit, spat and kicked dance partner Zara McDermott.
The BBC confirmed the Italian will not appear in the next series.
“Graziano has been accused of multiple physical and verbal incidents. The BBC had no choice but to sack him”, a source said.
Graziano wrote on Instagram: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.”
A source said: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”
By Hannah Hope
STRICTLY is a national treasure — the jewel in the BBC’s entertainment crown.
But now, Britain’s most popular show is facing a series of troubling questions about what goes on behind the scenes.
The Sun on Sunday revealed earlier this year damaging claims about long-time pro dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards his partner on the last series, Amanda Abbington.
Subsequently, it was announced that Pernice had quit this year’s show.
Now fellow pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for gross misconduct towards ex-Love Islander Zara McDermott, who danced with him last year.
The revelation has plunged Strictly into its biggest-ever crisis — as it is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Strictly is a family favourite and is watched by viewers of all ages.
The BBC’s investigation must leave no stone unturned.
It is the very least Strictly’s millions of loyal fans deserve.
