Amanda Abbington on Strictly experience - full interview 

As a BBC licence payer I believe those 50 hours of footage should be made available

It sounds very much like the BBC not dealing with a problem that they have known about for years. Here we go again.

BBC should release the tapes and turn the investigation over to an external, neutral source.

I strongly feel that people sending that kind of abuse online should be lawfully charged or fined.

As someone who was never believed as a child when being abused, I can say that not being believed hurt far more than the actual abuse. So, I hope once all the evidence along with the truth comes out, that it helps you to begin to heal ❤️

Honestly who are these weirdos who send death threats to people they don’t know and their families?!

Police need to track down each and every single person responsible for sending this Lady and her children death threats!!

As a TV Liscence payer I would like to request that the 50 hrs of footage is released.

There is a MASSIVE issue of misogyny in society. How many men recieve rape and death threats for not towing the line or expressing the "wrong opinions". Women are not listened to and are continuously treated with contempt. Big love to Amanda Abbington. ❤

I think one of the things we tend to forget is that abusers do not abuse 24/7 but can be/are charming. It’s part of the pattern of abuse and is one of the many reasons why it’s so hard to confront. All power to Amanda for calling this out.

The BBC will surely have to release the footage. And it is right that they should.

Disgusting that haters will attack another human being in such an unwarranted fashion. No TV program is worth the destruction of someone mental health or physical wellbeing.

So glad she has spoken out. She's risked her career to shine a light on misogynistic abusive behaviour. She's a brave woman and I admire her courage.

Amanda saying "..trying my hardest every week.. to make that room a nicer a place" is typical of how a victim of an abuser behaves - initially you believe that you're making the abuser react in a negative way, so there must be something wrong with you, you try harder and harder to please them and behave in a way that doesn't offend them, but no matter what you do, it doesn't work. He sounds like a typical narcissist. These folk have two faces and if you've only ever been exposed to the charming side, you'll have a hard time believing how nasty they can be. Amanda is incredibly brave for exposing his treatment of her ❤

Well done for speaking up against bully’s and sexist chauvinists and the corporations that protect AND uplift them.

Can’t they trace these idiots that send rape threats and death threats

Any woman who’s been in a toxic working environment understands exactly what Amanda is saying she’s a brave lady and yes she is believed

How dare the bbc treat you like this, we are forced to pay the licence to this company! Well done Amanda you are so brave, so many people support you. Much love x

The BBC protected Savile and they are STILL PAYING Huw Edwards. What did we expect?

It seems all very convenient for the BBC to not allow anyone to see the footage or brush things to one side for their own gain. When you look at Jimmy Saville or Rolf Harris who were extremely popular and influential and realise how long it took for someone to do something it seems this is unfortunately going the same way. Surely if ANY environment feels unsafe or toxic in any way it should be taken seriously immediately. This has happened a few times lately with the BBC lately it's disgusting.

Amanda, thank you for speaking up. You have ensured another woman won't be in those rehearsal rooms with him. It sounds like his expectations were immensely high and his ego and chase for perfection led his behaviour. I have been in a similar situation but without the world watching. I can't imagine it. Proud of you and know that you definitely did the right thing.

The BBC will have to reveal the footage if this goes to court

This makes me so angry and sick to my stomach. I feel so sorry for her. The people who are threatening her and her children are the lowest of the low.

This woman is absolutely shell shocked 💔

If you haven’t done anything wrong let ppl see the 50 hrs of tape then, the fact that he doesn’t want anyone to see them says a lot 🤔

BBC is seriously in a bad way. Standards are horrendous

If you are threatening and harassing someone online in favour of some pointless, abusive dancer, you should be in Broadmoor.

Please don’t give up Amanda, those 50 hours should be publicised !

So the producers are saying sorry every Friday and yet not doing anything to stop him…I feel sick. I’m so sorry Amanda 😢

The BBC seemingly put the show before any duty of care for people on the show. Producers seeing and apologising for abusive behaviour is pointless when they allowed it to continue, rather than removing those who were doing things that they clearly knew was wrong, since they had to apologise for what they saw on those tapes on a weekly basis. Props to Amanda for talking about this, especially since it sounds like this has been going on for a while, and when she and her family have to face even more abuse just for speaking out.

Amanda, I am so sorry you have and continue to endure such pain for speaking out against abusive behaviour. You are a powerful voice for anyone going through this and please know that I applaud you and have huge respect for you in doing so 👏

Her experience is so relatable. Unfortunately. I’m so angry that people didn’t believe her. Her word wasn’t enough and neither is having the footage. Why is the abuser once again being protected? And we are paying for this privilege. Disgraceful.

Every success to Amanda, she is a brave woman to speak out.

That's the downside of being a whistle-blower and being the first to raise your head above the parapet - you get all the backlash that comes with it.

The Bbc expects women who were bullied to just shut up in the name of entertainment 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

This reminds me of how I felt in a previous job, and I am certainly no snowflake. You feel like it's you and you're going mad. On the death threats etc, those people are disgusting and should be tracked and charged, the socials are such a cesspit. All my love to Amanda ❤

The people who send those threats should be charged immediately after the first message is received. We know who they are, but frightenly, they walk freely in society, but she and her family have had to endure.

Now it’s time for BBC to hold those responsible accountable. One incident is bad; repeated “offences” are not stopped is corporate coverup.

So sorry Amanda. I have experienced bullying in the workplace and this is what it is…. i believe you and recognise the feelings you have. It is so debilitating and disempowering. Speaking out and being heard is important…. And you are heard.

It is very telling that he won’t let the videos be released as that would be quickest way to prove his innocence so there has to be something he doesn’t want people to see

This is a very important interview going forward. Women voicing concerns should be heard and the concerns addressed! Not doubly victimised and put down.

Typical BBC

The problem is that she is not allowed to say exactly what happened or what the abuse was and hence people don’t understand what she is complaining about. It should have been kept closed until there was an independent investigation and an outcome. Now there is bitterness on both sides because it’s trial by media but without all the information being available publicly.

Got away with it for so many years and he thought he’s untouchable!! Nobody is untouchable or irreplaceable!! You’re a brave soul, Amanda!!

This is heartbreaking to watch. Amanda, I believe you, I can feel how this has destroyed you, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Well done for standing up and being heard 💕

The BBC yet again NOT protecting or investigating potential issues with the shows they air. I love strictly and Giovani but this behaviour is totally not acceptable. Dancers are very competitive and in it to win it , to him it’s normal but to other people this is not acceptable!!

Amanda you were my favourite on strictly. When you pulled out i felt you did so with honour, grace and professionalism. In the past weeks i have admired your not rising to hype and remaining private and respectful. I have CPTSD and this interview hit hard. Your trauma is clearly still very raw but you handled this interview once again with honesty and professionalism. You have acted as any one would, your feelings and instincts are completely normal. Not unhinged, not unstable but justified and simply human. It is NEVER ok to make another person feel this way, no matter the reasons. Good people nurture others and do not degrade and put them down. You have done what you know to be morally the right thing in reaching out and so need not feel any shame. I am a big strictly fan and was shocked to hear about how bad things were. This does not make me think less of those coming forwards nor does it make me think less of the show as a whole. From the outside it looks as if the BBC are taking this seriously and i truly hope this provides an opportunity to assess and restructure so everyone is able to move forwards in a happy and healthy manner. I admire your bravery and wish you all the best with your play xxx

WHAT? Death threats? To her, threats to her children, her family? What? How dare they. I hope they have been arrested. I can’t imagine Amanda would dream of putting her story out there if it was a complete lie… I have admired Giovani on strictly, but, you only see the “celebrity” he’s handsome, a great dancer, but let’s not forget, off camera, like many, we have absolutely no idea what he’s like…. No one deserves death threats, it’s frightening. It’s very unfair on her

To watch her talking and almost completely breaking down is so hard that I just want to give you a hug ❤

Regarding going forwards: I think it’d help to think about it like any other workplace: abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and those who perpetrate it will be disciplined, ie sacked.

Poor lady. So awful what she's been through 😢 why would she make this up and put herself and her children through this?

Why should she have to justify it. The very fact there are multiple complaints against him shows there is an issue.

It's been clear to everyone that over recent years Strictly has been ratcheting up the level of dancing required by the celebrities. It's got to the point now where the celebs have basically got to be professional dancers to make it through to the final weeks. This doesn't of course excuse the bad behaviour but the "management" seem to have turned a blind eye and put the program first. Hopefully this will reset things for the better.

I am horrified to listen to this interview, this dear woman who is a great actress, has been truly treated inhumanly, by the public, for dancing? What sort of nightmare has England turned into? 😮

I believe Amanda. Giovanni was so confident the bbc would protect him he didn't care what his behaviour was on camera and now they won't release the footage. Darvo. Disgusting. After Saville, after the Princess Diana interview, they're doing it again. There needs to be an EXTERNAL review

People who send messages like that to Amanda are sick.

I believe her. Why would she risk her livelihood by lying?

Bless your courage and heart, Amanda. You've done nothing to deserve a second of it. Such evil. The mind boggles. Much love to you and yours. x

Krishan - minute 5 - quite a naive question " why its been so different for me and you" - well lets start with him being a man and having a female teacher, and her being a woman and having a male teacher. Yes, its true that we did hear a story about Janette encouraging a risky move to one of her partners, but the abuse scandal is about male teachers towards their female partners. Not sure why Amanda devalues her experince by saying "if it had just been me" - even if it had, that is still cause to take her seriously and investigate. Its like when the news report deaths. They say things like "20 were killed" - well if even 1 was killed its still horrific.

This demonstrates how much the BBC allowing this kind of behaviour by their staff to be acceptable They turned a blind eye to jimmy saville. Rolf Harris When will they learn

It's frightening that there are so many highly disturbed individuals out there. I'm so sorry that Amanda has had to firstly go through the horrible Strictly bullying and then to have that compounded by the outrageous public reaction must have been almost intolerable. I hope she knows that are people who are on her side who believed what she said and are wishing her all the very best. Editing to say Amanda was my tip to win Strictly and I was really sad to see her have to go 🧡

If more people understood what PTSD & C-PTSD are the world would be a much more compassionate and understanding place to live in. I am so glad that more and more work and education about these issues are getting more light shone on them so people do. As she explains here, the fact that she has previous experience of being in abusive relationship the effect was worse. It's been statistically proven that veterans who experience PTSD do so because they have prior hideous experiences that they may or may not actually be aware of consciously, that are held in the nervous system until an external environment triggers the memory of as this lady describes here. She has not faught in a war, yet as some veterans do, the physical and psychological effects are life changing and can be completely debilitating. I am so glad that she has spoken up for all that have other work place or personal situations where they may be in doubt to speak up.

Very telling that his previous dance partners reached out to Amanda and warned her. He probably has an ego the size of a football field , and temper to boot.

The blocking so none of us can see what happened says it all. Amanda went through a hellish time how disgusting. Wish you well Amanda ❤

I felt sad when Amanda had left the show. She'd been definitely the best one and had everything to win. I hope she'll recover one day, and I genuinely believe that giving it another go with somebody decent could be the best cure. Warmest wishes from Putney!

I believe Amanda 100%. The BBC owes her an apology for their complete and utter failure in this matter.

I believe you, Amanda. The sad thing is that you were a stunning dancer and we’d sat there and tipped you to win. Anyway, that is not the point. Thank you for standing up to a high-profile narcissist and an organisation that protects his ilk. As you say, the show is a Saturday night light entertainment show and not a professional competition for the inflating of individual egos and furthering of careers. Some people clearly got too big for their boots and have learned that nobody is bigger than the show. His gaslighting of you (calling you unstable) only proves that he’s unwilling to be accountable or change (typical narc traits). It’s a shame the other women are not prepared to raise their heads above the parapet and be identified, which makes your stance even more brave. Hopefully, this won’t now happen to other women or men and you will eventually be vindicated by the outcome of the investigation.

I wonder if it had been a man that had complained. Good for you Amanda and thank you for complaining as this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable!!

Done for calling out ugly bullying cruel behaviour... You are staying true to yourself.. Well done stay strong x

Im so sorry that happened. And the abuse from so called Strictly fans. The footage should be shown Amanda. BBC have failed big time.😳 Huges hugs.❤️xxx

What is wrong with people? Why would you say such vile things to anyone? And to hope her children die? That's so effed up. Poor Amanda and good for her being this brave. How interesting as soon as her partner was announced people texted her saying they were sorry...

Social media has become a cesspit of horrible Cretan’s sending threats like that!!!

I believed Amanda straight away for many reasons. now watching this I know I was right too. Her visible discomfort trying to explain what happened was something I recognised. I hope she gets a proper response from the BBC and the professionals all learn from this.

No being believed is part of the abuse. I believe her 100% and to put yourself under the microscope to bring the behaviors of professional dancers to light in the most famous show on the BBC is brave. I hope she is vindicated and given the mental support she needs. Additionally the trolls need to be find or arrested, this should not be allowed!! Good luck to her.

A woman’s word will never be enough will it. It makes me so sad that people abuse someone that asks for help

How dare they treat her in such a horrific way. Those who sent her and her children threats must be found and charged. Unacceptable behaviour.

I feel very ashamed of myself as a woman. When this initially came out, I was one of the ones who rolled her eyes and thought it was probably all to do with someone who couldn't handle the rigours of training with a professional dancer who had super high standards and wanted to win. Watching this, I can clearly see that it's more than that. It almost doesn't matter what it was because it was bad for her, regardless, and that's what actually matters. If they do release the footage people will still fall into opposing camps. Some will say they don't see what the fuss was about and others will be horrified and where you sit on that will be down to your own life experiences etc. But it's HER experience, not ours, and I'm sorry my initial thoughts were dismissive.

If I was Giovanin and had apparently done nothing wrong - I'd have no issue in releasing those 50 hours of footage.

Online trolls need to be delt with severely!! So proud of this lovely lady for speaking up , so brave ❤

What awful things people say..... regardless of what happened why would you wish awful things to happen to innocent children?

Amanda, I am sending you my heart, to help keep you strong. Any form of abuse under any circumstances is completely unacceptable. Your decision to open up about your treatment in the training room demonstrates your courage and feeless goal in stamping out abuse. Bless you, please keep going ❤xx

Bullies are not brave they are cowards. Sorry you have had to put up with this abuse Amanda.

I personally think the way she has been treated by the press and the public is absolutely disgraceful. I'm all for fairness and hearing both sides of a story, but the narrative from so many as soon as she left the show and then subsequently made her complaint was that she is a liar, a fantasist, and just didn't want to work hard. Nobody who has been making these kind of comments were there with them so know that for a fact, and this sends a terrible message to women (and indeed men) who are in abusive situations that if they come forward they will be vilified and disparaged and not taken seriously. Giovanni deserves to have his say of course, but I do find it interesting that he is so against the footage of the rehearsals being seen.

The BBC knew they always cover themselves…just look at Saville. Giovanni had many complaints before and it was ignored for the sake of the biggest show on the BBC so he knew he’d get away with it. I’ve no doubt other dancers have done similar.. The biggest shock is middle aged women threatening a victim of abuse and standing up for the abuser! There have been at least 6 other people complain and he won’t release footage….says it all. The BBC shouldn’t be allowed to withhold the footage and an internal investigation by the BBC of the BBC is like Saville investigating Rolf Harris

I'm so glad she has spoken up and highlighted the abuse within the show and what she experienced from obviously a horrible narcissistic abuser who thought he could get away with it . She deserved so much better. I'm so glad they have got rid of the toxic individuals and will not tolerate this BS from horrid toxic bullying .

It is quite clear the BBC have a rubbish idea of “ duty of care “ similar to other large organisations. I was bullied at work and found the company stick up for who’s most important to them only. It is an horrendous ordeal to be dismissed as not believable. I believe you. I hope you get justice

What did he do exactly, do we know??

Unbelievable there are women (and men) who are calling her a liar. You don't have to like her to believe her. I believe her. As someone who has been through similar, her reactions and responses seem completely genuine to me. So much criticism of why didn't she do this, or say that. Well to those people, you clearly have not experienced abuse, and for that you should be grateful, but you need to do more to understand, instead of blaming the victims, because you then become part of the culture which allows abusers to keep getting away with it.

I'm so glad Krishna is interviewing Amanda. He clearly grew up with sisters- he knows exactly how to talk to women. 🥹❤️🙏

If the fellow contestants knew that this was going on, and they’re ‘friends in the trenches’ together, why did they all carry on with the show?

Amanda as a survivor of an abusive relationship i really feel for you explaining this i can see you physically tense up reliving it. Im so sorry you went through this with this narcissist. Please know you have so much support ❤

Just because something is considered a British Institution, it doesn’t mean it can’t be improved, or changed, and neither should the love for such a thing make us blind to its faults

Why doesn't she go to the police and do things the correct way?! If she has an accusation then she needs to go to the police, file a report and let them go get the 50 hours of missing tapes. Why would the BBC hand them over to a lawyer?

I believe you Amanda. I admire your bravery in speaking out. Sadly, there are perpetrators of abuse in all walks of life but also the people who side with them and don’t believe those perpetrated against😢And labelling someone “unstable” is classic perpetrator behaviour unfortunately.

These people who threaten and abuse someone when they know nothing of the facts . Keep strong Amanda

I don't understand why the police aren't involved if she and others have suffered physical abuse.

She's a trouble maker .

We believe you sister. We know how men get away with toxic behaviour and get help to cover it up cause theyre not a "bad guy". It should not matter who you are or what money you make if you behave disgustingly you should be held accountable. Hope he gets sacked at the very least for being so disgraceful in his workplace and she gets the compensation and the apology she deserves from the BBC. If they dont fire him they should be ashamed.

Regardless if this is true or not, you believe her or not, no one, absolutely no one and their family, should receive threats like this, totally unacceptable behaviour from anyone, regardless

I have met Amanda several times and she is a lovely genuinely warm person.