AMANDA Abbington has sent a ‘pointed message’ ahead of ‘bombshell’ new evidence in the Strictly scandal.
A growing storm concerns alleged abuse from professional dance partners towards celebrity contestants on the BBC dance contest.
In January, Amanda accused former Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice of “threatening and abusive behaviour”.
When seen out and about recently, the message “We all have to make sacrifices” was spotted written on the actress’ phone case.
Last year, Amanda and Giovanni’s dance partnership ended after four weeks when she withdrew from Strictly.
Since speaking out, the ex-Sherlock star branded the Italian dancer as “nasty” and said she suffered mild PTSD from working with him.
Meanwhile, details have emerged of a secret audio recording that Giovanni is believed to have made in the final weeks for the pair’s tense dance for the show rehearsals.
The Italian dancer’s people have reportedly touted the recording as “bombshell evidence” that will clear his name.
But the Sun can reveal that a source close to Amanda said: “This tape has been billed as bombshell evidence, however it’s the type of everyday discussions that go on between partners and pros that go on in rehearsals, which can, obviously, be very fraught.
“The idea that this is some kind of ‘smoking gun’ that will exonerate Giovanni from his alleged behaviour is absurd.
“The transcript is just dialogue between the pair, Amanda is being self-deprecating and was clearly trying to cope in a difficult situation, she had no idea Giovanni was secretly recording her.“
A decision into the BBC internal investigation is expected at the end of next week.
Earlier this month, Sicilian pro Graziano Di Prima, 30 was axed for reportedly kicking celeb partner Zara McDermott, 27.
BBC boss Tim Davie last week said “sorry” to alleged victims of the Strictly scandal at the launch of the corporation’s annual report.
Mr Davie said the door remained open to any more complaints, but he was confident that changes brought in would safeguard new competitors.
He said: ”I’m sorry that anyone has had an experience on Strictly that hasn’t been wholly positive. That is something we do reflect on and I’m sorry.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
“There are clearly learnings regarding oversights in the training rooms that we have needed to address.
“The benefit of hindsight, you always look at these things and think we could have done more, of course you could, but the key here is you address the situation.
“But the measures we’ve taken I believe are an appropriate and fair response to what we know now in terms of making sure in the training rooms we have the right oversight and that people have a positive experience coming through the show.
“I do believe overall that hundreds of people have come through the show and had a positive experience, it’s not right to characterise it that we haven’t had significant duty of care provision.”
