Amanda Abbington is being accused of doing all she can to ensure a “dark cloud is left over” Strictly Come Dancing as the show remains at the centre of a huge scandal.
The actress, 52, is credited with sparking the ongoing BBC probe into the Saturday night show after she made “bullying” claims about her professional dance partner of last year, Giovanni Pernice.
After months of reported accusations, an internal investigation was launched – with its repercussions still ongoing.
Earlier this month, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show over his “misconduct” in rehearsals. His dismissal followed that of Pernice, 33, who was previously confirmed not to be returning to the show in light of the controversy.
It’s understood a third dancer, who is no longer on Strictly, has become embroiled in the probe while judge Anton Du Beke has also been caught up in the claims following a historic complaint from a celebrity partner.
Another unnamed person has been deemed the show’s first female to face claims, with a male celebrity coming forward to report “aggressive” behaviour from the dancer.
Actress Amanda Abbington sparked the BBC probe into the series
BBC
With an influx of past contestants continuing to come forward, it’s been claimed BBC bosses now fear Abbington will “stop at nothing” to keep the show in chaos.
A BBC insider claimed: “Amanda seems to be stopping at nothing to make sure that a dark cloud is left over Strictly. She seems to have a real issue with the show.”
Speaking to MailOnline, they reportedly continued: “She has been open about not enjoying her time, but why spoil it for everyone else?
“It’s not looking like there is a smoking gun in her complaint about Giovanni, so now she is getting others to come forward and then later it appears in the press so the row keeps going and going.”
Graziano Di Prima has been axed following the BBC Strictly probe
Getty
GB News has contacted Abbington’s representatives for comment on the claims.
Pernice has denied all allegations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour and vowed to clear his name, while Di Prima admitted to having “kicked” Love Island star Zara McDermott during training last year.
Breaking her silence, the 27-year-old reality star released a lengthy statement about her experience.
Part of her social media post read: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”
She went on to say: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversation with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
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Abbington accused Giovanni Pernice of “bullying” bheaviour
ITV
Former pro-turned-host of spin-off show It Takes Two, Janette Manrara, has also had to release a statement after her 2019 partner questioned why the BBC hadn’t taken extra precautions with disabled celebrities.
The Paralympian was reportedly left with a lifelong injury after a training session with Manrara led to a devastating accident that still impacts him today.
While he stated he doesn’t blame the dancer, he has claimed that the BBC should implement further measures to ensure celebrities’ safety.
The current probe has already resulted in changes to the upcoming series, including the introduction of chaperones.