Amanda Abbington revealed she has been sent death threats by Strictly Come Dancing fans in a new interview on Sunday.
The 51-year-old actress dated professional dancer Giovanni Pernice but left the BBC One show midway through the series last year, citing “personal issues”.
This week it was revealed that she was “diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder” following her appearance on the series.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Amanda thanked both her fans and her Strictly colleagues for their support.
She explained: “After Strictly I was diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for a number of reasons and I told a few people about it in the utmost confidence, alongside other things that were going on in my life at the time, both professionally and personally. “
Amanda Abbington, 51, revealed she has been sent death threats by Strictly Come Dancing fans in a new interview on Sunday
The actress was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice but left the BBC One show midway through the series last year, citing “personal issues”.
Amanda continued: “I'm very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and cite my previous, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health.” I wish All the best to these people.'
The Sherlock star has two children with her former actor Martin Freeman, a daughter Grace (15) and a son Joe (17).
Earlier this week she claimed the show had given her post-traumatic stress disorder and demanded footage from rehearsals to highlight the Italian's “tense” and “exhaustive” training methods, which she said had caused her great distress.
Amanda left Strictly in the fifth week in October and did not return for the final, where eliminated celebrities took part in a group dance.
Amanda was praised by the judges for her performances on the show, but it was claimed she was having problems behind the scenes.
After her departure, she reportedly struggled with Giovanni's “militant approach to training” and her time on the show was said to be “plagued by difficulties.”
An inside source told The Telegraph: “It could be that she didn't know what she was getting into.”
'He [Giovanni] was quite hard and she found that difficult. If she wasn't doing very well, it wouldn't have helped.'
This week it was revealed that she was “diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder” following her appearance on the series.
In November it was announced which celebrities would be taking to the glittering dance floor on her 2024 live tour, with Amanda not taking part
An insider told The Mirror: “Amanda made it clear she was desperate to have a place. “It was a real blow to her and she was fuming. “She felt snubbed” (pictured in October)
They continued: “She was with a partner who had a certain training style that she couldn't get along with.” “Whether that's what happened or if there's something else going on, I don't know.”
Now it has been reported that she is seeking footage of her rehearsals to back up her claims as she seeks legal advice.
A source on set told The Sun: “The BBC have received a request for the footage they have of Amanda and Giovanni.” This is called a data subject access request.
“There is a feeling that the footage will shed light on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly.” Rehearsals can get very tense.
“Giovanni is a perfectionist and he can be incredibly full.”
A friend of Amanda's told the publication that it took her months to recover from her Strictly experience and that she needed therapy.
They said: “The whole experience left Amanda broken and sad.” She needed therapy and was shocked by the behavior she was subjected to.
“Everyone else had a great time, but she was really stressed about having to spend eight hours a day with Giovanni. She cried a lot and couldn't sleep or eat properly.'
The friend added that Amanda found the negative reaction she received on social media for not mentioning Giovanni in her resignation statement difficult, but insisted her family and friends were there to support her.
It was reported that she left the show after a clash with Giovanni, but she denied claims of a conflict at the time.
Sources at the BBC are prepared to clash with the Sherlock star over her claims the show traumatized her, saying she told them at the time she was quitting for another medical reason.
A source told the Mail: “Amanda's reason for leaving Strictly was completely different to her post-traumatic stress disorder.”
“She told production about a completely different health condition and them.” [were] were very supportive and did everything they could to help.
“Nobody seems to really understand what’s going on here.”
Amanda left Strictly in the fifth week in October and did not return for the final, where eliminated celebrities took part in a group dance
After her departure, she reportedly struggled with Giovanni's “militant approach to training” and her time on the show was said to be “plagued by difficulties.”
The friend added that Amanda found the negative reaction she received on social media for not mentioning Giovanni in her resignation statement difficult, but insisted her family and friends were there to support her
It is understood BBC bosses first learned of her post-traumatic stress disorder late last year when they received a request for the tapes.
Adding to the confusion, Amanda quickly dismissed suggestions that she and Giovanni had a falling out before the show aired in September.
On Instagram, she dismissed the claims as “nonsense” and urged people: “Shut up, this is nonsense.”
During the broadcasts, she and the Italian dancer, who has been working on the show since 2015, were seen hugging and looking like friends.
A Strictly source said: “All you could see in the studio was the two of them hugging and kissing.”
Sparkle star Giovanni also reportedly received the news of Amanda's exit just a few hours before the official statement was released.
A source told the Daily Star: “Amanda hasn't told Giovanni that she has decided to leave the show.” The first thing he heard was a call from a producer.
“That really annoyed him. He hasn't heard much from her for ten days. She hasn't responded to messages or told him what's happening.
“He complained about it to friends. He is frustrated. “He fears the drama will damage his career and make him look bad.”
However, BBC bosses are reportedly standing behind Giovanni following the feud.
According to The Sun, bosses arranged a call between Giovanni's management and Strictly executives where they offered him their full support and checked in on his mental health.
It is understood Giovanni was assured his place on the show was secured.
A source said: “It's no secret that Gio and Amanda have had a rocky relationship – but there are two sides to every story.”
However, BBC bosses are reportedly standing behind Giovanni following the feud, checking on his mental health and ensuring his place on the show is secured
“Bosses have arranged a call between his management and those in charge of the show to discuss the recent coverage and to make sure he is OK as he has obviously been dealing with a lot of trouble over the last few months.”
“There's a feeling that he's a tough taskmaster, but he hasn't bullied or abused anyone.” The BBC sees him as a key face on Strictly and will do all it can to support him.”
The BBC broke its silence on the bombshell allegations on Monday when a spokesman released a new statement saying: “The BBC offers full support to everyone who takes part in our broadcasts.”
“Strictly Come Dancing has always taken due diligence very seriously and there is ongoing dialogue between senior members of the production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed quickly.”