BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice 'stamped' on Amanda Abbington's foot leaving 'bruise'

Giovanni Pernice is alleged to have "stamped" on Amanda Abbington’s foot leaving her bruised during toxic training. The BBC Sherlock actress has shared her "bullying" ordeal at the hands of the Strictly Come Dancing pro before he quit the series last week.

The atmosphere in the rehearsal space has been branded "toxic" and "abrasive" by Amanda's pals. Responding, Gio said: “I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.” A source said: “Amanda had a terrible experience.”

Giovanni said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: “I am totally surprised and disappointed to learn of these allegations. I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

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“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always strived to help them be the very best dancers they can be.

"This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners.” But a set source told The Sun on Sunday: “Giovanni had a tough training method. Amanda would be bruised.” The source added: “Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio.

“She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work. There would be crisis talks every Friday after producers watched back the video footage of their rehearsals but it would always end up toxic again by the end of the following week.

“Runners would check in on the training weekly and she would regularly be seen crying and feeling very sad and despondent. She desperately wanted it to work but invariably it would break down. An urgent medical condition eventually allowed her to quit.”