Amanda Abbington's stinging two-word response to Giovanni's defiant Strictly statement
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington issued a cutting two-word response to her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice's defiant statement about the BBC show.
Speaking on Friday's instalment of Woman's Hour, the 50-year-old was asked why she decided to speak out publicly about quitting Strictly after just five weeks into the competition.
Amanda explained: "My best friend said to me, 'If you look back when you are 70 at this part of your life, and if you haven't said anything, will you feel OK about that?'
"I thought, 'OK, I don't want anyone to feel like that.' I want someone to go onto Strictly and have the best experience because that is what I wanted - and it didn't happen."
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"Giovanni refutes any claims of abuse or threatening behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this."
Amanda has claimed there are "50 hours" of training footage which left BBC bosses "horrified" by Giovanni's alleged behaviour.
The spokesperson added: "There is no evidence which resembles Amanda Abbington's numerous and variable allegations."
When asked if she was prepared for the abuse which followed her decision to speak out about her Strictly experience, Amanda said: "I know how I am feeling, I am not mad, I am not unstable, and that fact that I am being called that simply for calling out what I deem as bad behaviour... And it was bad behaviour."
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Going off on a slight tangent, Amanda insisted she really wanted to take part in Strictly in 2023 and was tipped to win it at one point.
She then took a swipe aimed at Giovanni, adding: "I wouldn't leave something! I am a hard worker and I will go through anything if I am enjoying it and it feels safe.
"To call me out and say I am unstable and mad is... I just... It's a cheap shot."
Addressing the best course of action for Strictly in the wake of Giovanni quitting the series and fellow pro dancer Graziano di Prima being "axed" from the show over gross misconduct, Amanda said: "I would like it to continue, I just think the contestants need to be listened to and if something happens, there need to be proper safety procedures in place.
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"I don't know how they would do that as it's not my job. All I know is that I wouldn't want anybody going into that show to have the experience I've had and the experience other people I have spoken to have had because it's not fair.
"It's a wonderful Saturday night entertainment show and it shouldn't be marred by bad behaviour."
Amanda said the play, named When It Happens To You, she is part of at the moment is "keeping her going" as well as her family and the support she's received from the public.
Amanda's full interview can be listened to on BBC Sounds.
Amanda Abbington's stinging two-word response to Giovanni's defiant Strictly statement
Amanda Abbington's stinging two-word response to Giovanni's defiant Strictly statement
Amanda Abbington's stinging two-word response to Giovanni's defiant Strictly statement
Amanda Abbington's stinging two-word response to Giovanni's defiant Strictly statement
Amanda Abbington's stinging two-word response to Giovanni's defiant Strictly statement
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