Amanda Abbington’s friend criticises Giovanni Pernice for remaining silent on death threats against Strictly partner

Friends of AMANDA Abbington have said Giovanni Pernice’s silence over her death threats was “deafening”.

The Sherlock actor was partnered with Giovanni on Strictly Come Dancing this year, but left the show due to Giovanni’s alleged “aggressive behaviour”

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She claimed to have developed post-traumatic stress disorder after appearing on the show, but Giovanni has always denied these claims.

Since the BBC investigated her complaints, Amanda said she has received death and rape threats from trolls.

Amanda, 50, who is currently starring in a play in London, is said to have received an email warning her she must retract her allegations or “die on stage”.

Speaking to the Mirror, a friend said: “Amanda has received death and rape threats because of it all, but Giovanni hasn’t said anything.

“You would think he would stand up and say, ‘Not in my name.’ That would be the decent thing to do. His silence is deafening.”

Friends also said Amanda feared the BBC would cover up the investigation’s findings.

The findings of the inquiry were due to be made public earlier this month, but the date clashed with the disgraced trial of Huw Edwards over child abuse images.

A BBC source said: “The Strictly report and the Huw Edwards case are completely unrelated.”

Amanda’s friend said the BBC “didn’t want two disasters” in a short space of time.

“They’ve delayed the investigation because of the Edwards case. We can’t imagine they’re going to do anything other than continue to sit on this and try to bury the investigation,” they added.

Giovanni quit the BBC competition after Amanda complained and vowed to “clear his name”.

In June, he posted a clear message to his fans on his Instagram page: “To my fans and followers. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behavior.

“The latest accusations are simply false.

“I am cooperating fully with the BBC’s ongoing investigation, which will determine the truth.

“As requested, I have remained silent, but I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation and, ultimately, the clearing of my name and the establishment of the truth.”

He then referred to the start of his new tour, where he joined his Strictly BFF Anton Du Beke.

He said: “I’m so happy to be back on tour.

“Thank you all for your continued support – your messages and love mean the world to me.

“I hope to see many of you again very soon and I look forward to clearing my name.”

The Italian completed his message with these words: “With love, Giovanni.”

The news comes after The Sun exclusively revealed how Giovanni made an “obscene” gesture towards his dance partner during rehearsals.

Gio is accused of upsetting his partner Amanda Abbington and others with rude remarks.

A source told us: “The BBC investigation was told that Giovanni’s lewd behaviour was not limited to Amanda – he did the same with other dance partners too.

“It is said that he would touch his crotch in front of them if they did something good during rehearsals.”

The allegations, first reported by The Sun on Sunday, are vehemently denied by Giovanni.

Last night a source close to the investigation said: “The BBC is taking this matter very seriously.”

The source added: “Giovanni maintains he did nothing wrong, and Amanda insists everything she told the BBC is true.

“Whatever decision the BBC takes, it is unlikely that the matter will be closed.”

Meanwhile, “training room researchers” will now attend rehearsals eight hours a day, four days a week, throughout the series.

A source said: “It will also be customary for the researchers to move between different training rooms so as not to become too chummy with the professional dancers and celebrities.”

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Our processes are constantly under review.

“We will not comment on individuals.”

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