In 2023, Amanda Abbington’s participation in *Strictly Come Dancing* captivated audiences nationwide. 

However, what followed was a series of allegations that shocked fans and the public alike. Abbington, 

known for her role as a detective in the BBC drama *Sherlock*, later revealed troubling claims about her time on the show, particularly involving her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

In July 2024, Abbington accused Pernice of behaviour that she described as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” during their time together on *Strictly*. 

The allegations were serious, with the actress stating that she had raised 17 formal complaints against the professional dancer, citing verbal bullying and harassment. 

The BBC took these accusations seriously, launching a nine-month investigation to understand the nature of the alleged incidents.

Following the investigation, six of the allegations against Pernice were upheld, including those related to verbal bullying and harassment. However, the BBC cleared him of accusations involving physical aggression. Giovanni Pernice, in turn, strongly denied all allegations of misconduct and maintained his innocence throughout the process.

While this period has been a challenging one for Abbington, she has managed to move forward and refocus on her career. Despite the controversy surrounding her time on *Strictly*, the actress, who rose to prominence in the hit series *Sherlock*, is now channeling her energy back into her acting career. Abbington has recently been cast in the role of Esther in the new production of *This Is Not A Happy Room*. The play will be staged at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington, an intimate venue with a seating capacity of just 180 guests. 

The production is set to run for four months, with tickets priced between £10 and £35, offering a unique theatre experience. Despite the excitement surrounding her return to the stage, early ticket sales have raised concerns. As of January 31, the opening night preview, scheduled for March 26, had only sold 64 tickets, raising questions about the production’s commercial success. 

Abbington’s return to the stage is noteworthy, as it marks her first major acting project since her time on *Strictly*. Playing alongside Outlander actress Rosie Day, Abbington is stepping into a role that promises to challenge her acting abilities while providing an opportunity for her to rebuild her reputation in the industry.

However, insiders have speculated that Abbington’s public fallout with Giovanni Pernice might have affected her career prospects. A source close to the situation pointed out that had the situation with Pernice not escalated, Abbington might have been in line for more high-profile roles, including potentially winning *Strictly* and receiving even greater opportunities in the entertainment industry. The source hinted that the controversy could have a lasting impact on Abbington’s career trajectory, suggesting that the actress’ decision to speak out in support of other women might have come at a personal cost.

Abbington’s decision to raise the allegations and address her experience publicly has been widely praised by advocates for women’s rights. Many argue that speaking out about toxic behaviour, especially in environments like *Strictly*, is vital in ensuring accountability and changing the culture within the entertainment industry. However, it is clear that these actions may have had significant personal and professional consequences for Abbington, who has since become a subject of public scrutiny.

In the meantime, Giovanni Pernice has continued his career, recently winning the Italian version of *Strictly*, *Ballando Con Le Stelle*, alongside actress Bianca Guaccero. His success on the Italian programme has not gone unnoticed, and he is expected to return to the show in September, further cementing his status as a renowned dancer in his native country.

Abbington, on the other hand, is focusing on her theatre role, hoping that her dedication to her craft will help her move beyond the controversy. As she steps back into the spotlight with *This Is Not A Happy Room*, fans will be watching closely to see how this new chapter in her career unfolds. Despite the challenges, Abbington’s resilience and commitment to her career show that she’s ready to continue her journey in the entertainment industry.

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