AMANDA Abbington has slapped down Giovanni Pernice’s suggestion they could have a “cup of tea and chat” about the Strictly scandal.
The Strictly Come Dancing pro was grilled by Christine Lampard yesterday on Lorraine — and was asked if he wanted to say sorry to Amanda.
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Giovanni replied: “I think we would have a nice cup of tea, we’ll have a chat and talk about what happened in that room.”
A friend of the Sherlock star told The Sun: “If Giovanni is putting the kettle on and waiting to speak to Amanda, it will be ice cold.
“The only meeting she will attend is one with the BBC to raise concerns about the handling of the investigation.”
ITV host Christine, whose friend Ranvir Singh also complained about Giovanni’s conduct, told him: “Amanda sat in this studio and described to us how it felt like bullying, to be in the rehearsal room with you.”
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Giovanni replied: “It’s in the public domain the fact I’m a strict teacher. If you want to achieve greatness, I think this is the right way.”
He added: “It’s very difficult, because at that time everything was perfect.
“Me and Amanda Abbington never had an argument.”
But a spokesperson for Amanda said: “Mr Pernice’s claim that ‘everything in the rehearsal room worked perfectly’ is false and delusional, and underlines the toxic culture Ms Abbington endured on the show.”
Giovanni also said he recorded himself during rehearsals “because I didn’t feel comfortable in the room, I didn’t feel safe.”
Amanda’s pal added: “If, as he claims, nothing was wrong in the sessions, why did he feel the need to record everything covertly?”
In his interview with Christine, Giovanni defended his actions on Strictly after the BBC probe upheld six of Amanda’s 17 complaints.
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Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.