DANCER Giovanni Pernice has blocked the release of video tapes of his Strictly rehearsals with Amanda Abbington amid allegations of bullying. Sicilian professional Giovanni, 33, refused when Sherlock actress Amanda , 52 asked BBC bosses for the footage as she seeks to prove her claims. One insider told The Sun on Sunday: “It begs the question, ‘What has he got to hide?’.
It doesn’t look good.” The development is the latest twist in a row which flared after Amanda quit Strictly Come Dancing in October last year. She cited health reasons for her decision — which had followed a request for their training sessions to be filmed.
Sources said Amanda asked to have the cameras over concerns about Giovanni’s alleged behaviour but his camp claimed it was done at his suggestion. Mum-of-two Amanda, who has made a formal complaint to the BBC, wants the footage to support her allegations. The Corporation has launched an investigation into them.
She told friends last year that stress from dancing with Giovanni — who has faced complaints from other partners on the show — led to her being diagnosed with PTSD. It has been claimed her foot was stamped on and she suffered bruising during rehearsals. At one stage, it is alleged, a mobile phone was thrown.
Amanda — represented by £700-an-hour law firm Carter-Ruck — formally requested BBC Studios hand over the practice session tapes five months ago. Sources said a data protection officer had to consult Giovanni while .