Strictly’s Amanda Abbington sends defiant message after Giovanni Pernice’s dig at ‘mad woman’

Amanda Abbington has sent a defiant message following her row with former Strictly Come Dancing star Gioavanni Pernice.

The 33-year-old Italian dancer appeared to take a swipe at the actress on stage while on tour. The under-fire Sicilian was performing at the Lowry in Salford on the same day Amanda, 50, made a series of accusations against him. He told the audience on Sunday night, to cheers from the crowd: “Oh, I’ll be back, don’t worry,” before adding: “Let’s see what this crazy woman has to say next.” He did not name anyone.

Today Amanda was pictured wearing a jumper that read: “You’re as cool as you treat people.” The Sherlock star wore the telling phrase on her top as she was spotted out and about for the first time since giving an explosive interview about Giovanni.

Amanda, who was spotted arriving at theatre rehearsals in London, is said to have encouraged other celebrities to speak to lawyers about the problems they faced on the BBC show. Giovanni has denied her allegations. The BBC is expected to conclude its investigation into her claims this week.

The Sherlock actress, 50, initially complained to the BBC about five weeks of inappropriate behaviour in the final series, before stepping down and being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people,” she said.

She added: “I know the BBC have been aware of Giovanni’s behaviour for years, people have complained about him and reported his behaviour to producers in the past and nothing has been done. This was not an isolated experience in my case. I should never have danced with him. I know what is on those tapes and I am not afraid of those tapes being seen. This goes way beyond stepping on my toes. I know what happened and the fact that he is blocking the tapes says a lot.”

Giovanni categorically denies all the accusations against him and has vowed to clear his name. The Mirror reported yesterday that Giovanni told friends he expected to be cleared by the BBC of any abusive behaviour after meeting with the corporation’s executives to see their dossier of evidence. The dancer had a meeting with the BBC last week where he saw for the first time the results of their investigation, which were compiled after months of discussions with witnesses.

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