Strictly Come Dancing: Amanda Abbington says 50 hours of footage being 'blocked' which Giovanni Pernice 'doesn't want anyone to see'

Amanda Abbington has recently mentioned that there are 50 hours of footage from her time training with her ex-Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice. She stated that Giovanni does not want this footage to be seen by anyone, as she brought up past accusations against him.

The actress from Sherlock said that the video was taken from cameras that she believes were put in place after she expressed worries about the professional dancer from Italy to the show's producers during the first week.

Pernice, who is no longer on the show, has insisted that the accusations of "unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean" behavior are false. He is eager to prove his innocence as the BBC continues to investigate.

Abbington, a former contestant on Strictly Come Dancing last year, claimed that the video evidence was being withheld and that her lawyer was unable to access it.

During her chat with Channel 4 News, she mentioned that her attorney was working to gain access to that information, but Pernice is refusing to share it, suggesting that there may be something to hide.

She stated about the BBC video: "I am unable to analyze it, and my lawyers are also unable to analyze it and give their opinion."

She mentioned that recording fifty hours of footage required a significant amount of time being in a negative environment.

Abbington stated that in the beginning of the show, the producers told her directly that they were surprised, frightened, and apologetic when they watched footage of the rehearsals.

She stated that there is proof available regarding what occurred in that training room, and she is not the one impeding its release.

According to her claims, she stated: "It's intimidation and it's forceful conduct. There were other incidents that were quite distressing, which you just handle in the moment because you're a female, and you have to deal with those situations... because what other choice do you have?"

During her interview with fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant and Channel 4 News host Krishnan Guru-Murthy, he asked if it was true that she had engaged in embarrassing and inappropriate sexual behavior.

Abbington responded with tears, saying, "Yes, it's just one of many things."

Abbington dropped out of the competition in week six due to "personal reasons" but did not provide any additional information until recently when she disclosed that she had filed a complaint about the show.

Additionally, she mentioned experiencing intense, relentless, and unforgiving pressure from fans of the television show Strictly Come Dancing.

She discussed the "threats of sexual violence directed at me, as well as towards my daughter, and the threats of harm towards my son".

When questioned about the source of the comments, she confirmed they were indeed from fans of Strictly Come Dancing. She also claimed that the behavior was exhibited by supporters of Pernice.

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Abbington expressed her desire to support individuals who are experiencing bullying or find themselves in a harmful and unsafe environment. Despite facing criticism, she encourages these individuals to speak up and report their concerns.

She stated: "I can confirm the occurrence as I have experienced it myself. I am not someone who seeks attention or exaggerates situations. I am not dramatic or prone to making things seem more significant than they actually are."

I am aware that what occurred in that room was not right. I raised the issue, but it seems like my concerns were not taken seriously.

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Abbington stated that she is aware of "three other women" who have experienced something similar during their time on Strictly, and there could be more people speaking out soon.

The actress, famous for her role in the ITV show Mr Selfridge, also mentioned that there are "about five or six other people who have complained, but three individuals are the main ones, with mine being the formal complaint".

She mentioned that once she exited the program, she received "numerous messages... from a few of the producers" but afterwards, "didn't stay in touch with anyone".

Learn more: A contestant from Strictly Dancing carefully considered before filing a complaint to BBC. Tim Davie, the head of BBC, stated that certain boundaries should never be crossed. A judge from Strictly Come Dancing expressed their surprise at the allegations of abuse.

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When questioned about whether the show offered any post-show support, Abbington responded by saying there wasn't any provided, though it would have been welcomed.

At the beginning of the month, Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima revealed he would be exiting the show following allegations of mistreatment towards reality star and documentary presenter Zara McDermott. This included verified statements that he had kicked her during a rehearsal.

The company has stated that a member of the production team will now be required to be present "at all times" during practice sessions in the training room for the show Strictly.

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The BBC said that they always treat concerns seriously and have procedures in place to address them.

A representative for Pernice informed Channel 4 News that he is working closely with the investigation and thinks it is the best place to thoroughly examine all the evidence.

The person speaking said: "During the thorough review based on evidence, the BBC has shared the allegations they have been able to confirm with us. These allegations are not similar to Amanda's recent claims made to Channel 4 in any way."

Giovanni denies any allegations of threatening or abusive behavior, and after presenting his evidence to the BBC, he is sure that the investigation will confirm his innocence.