The ‘real reason’ for the reported feud between Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington was hinted at before they were partnered on Strictly Come Dancing.
Rumours the Sherlock actress, 51, and the Italian dancer, 33, clashed behind the scenes began before she quit the BBC ballroom show after just four weeks due to ‘medical reasons’.
Amanda has never directly addressed the speculation but earlier today revealed she was diagnosed with PTSD after her Strictly stint, which came as reports claimed she was ‘left broken and saddened’ by her experience on the BBC show.
The source also claimed at the start of the year that the Mr Selfridge actress had requested video footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni and was seeking legal advice.
They claimed she was ‘really stressed by having to spend eight hours a day with Giovanni’ and ‘spent a lot of time crying’, while describing Giovanni as a ‘perfectionist’ who can be ‘incredibly full-on.’
Now, an old interview with Giovanni has resurfaced in which he spoke about his competitive nature, possibly revealing the reason behind his ‘clash’ with Amanda.
He told The Guardian in 2022: ‘Then came the experience of winning – something I became addicted to.
‘The first time I won a competition, I thought: “Being the champion feels nice. Let me have more of it!”‘
On Sunday, Amanda told The Sun she was diagnosed with ‘mild PTSD’ after Strictly for ‘several reasons’ and had also received death threats.
She said she told ‘a few people’ about her diagnosis in ‘the utmost confidence,’ along with ‘other things that were happening’ in her life at the time.
Amanda said she was ‘very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats,’ claiming people were even threatening her children and ‘bringing up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner.’
The actress, who was previously married to BBC Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman and shares two children with him, went on to thank those who were ‘so kind and lovely and supportive’ to her amid the Strictly drama.
It came after a source told The Sun that the BBC ‘received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni. It is known as a data subject access request.’
‘There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense,’ they added.
Giovanni has since reportedly been assured of his place on the prime-time show, the publication also claimed.
A phone call allegedly took place between Giovanni’s management and Strictly executives to discuss the ongoing reports and to check he was doing well.
An insider remarked ‘there are two sides to every story’.
‘The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn’t bullied or abused anyone.
‘The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him,’ the insider concluded.
On Thursday, Giovanni shared a statement on Instagram where he announced a new live show, Let Me Entertain You, and added: ‘I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent messages of support over the last week – I really truly appreciate it – thank you thank you thank you.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Amanda and Giovanni’s reps for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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