Abbington may have been 'vulnerable' before Strictly, says friend

Amanda may have been 'vulnerable' before joining Strictly (Image: Getty) Amanda Abbington talks about her wedding next year

A friend of Amanda Abbington said the actress may have been a “little vulnerable” when she went into Strictly Come Dancing last year.

Fellow actress Debbie Arnold, who is an Ambassador of the National Bullying Helpline, was talking about Abbington’s claim that she was bullied by her partner Giovanni Pernice before she walked off the show in week five.

Arnold has worked with Abbington, who has also appeared on her friend’s podcast.

Said Arnold: “Amanda was perhaps a little vulnerable when she started, which she might not have realised.

"Sometimes you get yourself in a position and say 'do you know what, I just can't cope anymore’.

"Nonetheless, you need to be brave to walk away."

The Sherlock actress has blitzed the TV news to publicise her new play about abuse, while also answering questions about the scandal, in which several other dancers and celebrities have been caught up in.

She now says that she first complained about Giovanni on day three of rehearsals.

Abbington said: “I've got a text to the producer on day three going this is awful he hates me I don't know what I'm doing wrong I'm trying my best I promise you.”

She claims that no action was taken by the BBC.

The actress also wants an apology from the BBC with the inquiry into Giovanni’s alleged behaviour due to conclude soon.

Debbie Arnold said: “People should applaud her and should keep using her [as an actress] because she's a wonderful actress.

"As it is, the trolls are out for her."

She added: "She didn't start this. There was an avalanche that started only because she spoke up -- that's not her fault and what's happening now is everybody else coming in. It's not her fault either"

The idea of chaperones, she said, “is ridiculous”.

"I think the dancers need a trial week with the celebrities to see if they get on."

Arnold has acted in every British soap, a record achievement.

“Anyone who does Strictly is very brave, I think, to start with. And perhaps Amanda hadn't realized how much toll it would take out of her life, because it does. It's 24/7.

“She didn't say anything to anybody on why she'd left. And it was only people pushing her and pushing her and pushing her the whole time.

“In the end, you know, this girl is a friend of mine. She is a fantastic actress. You know, she did brilliantly on Strictly, but felt she couldn't cope anymore.”

Christine Pratt, the founder of the National Bullying Helpline, says stories such as Strictly, can bring a surge of activity to the helpline.

She said: “We’ve seen the calls increase dramatically. Normally we’re around 4,000 a day; presently we’re running at 6,000.”

Added Arnold: “And we do take calls from people on TV shows.”

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Abbington may have been 'vulnerable' before Strictly, says friend

Abbington may have been 'vulnerable' before Strictly, says friend

Abbington may have been 'vulnerable' before Strictly, says friend

Abbington may have been 'vulnerable' before Strictly, says friend

Abbington may have been 'vulnerable' before Strictly, says friend