Amanda Abbington says she was diagnosed with PTSD after her time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC Sherlock actress, 51, was paired with Giovanni Pernice on the 2023 series of the popular dancing competition, however left after just four weeks due to ‘medical reasons’.
Amanda has been relatively quiet since leaving the show, however reports emerged in January that she had requested video footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni and was seeking legal advice.
Giovanni himself has thanked fans for their support after a difficult few days – and now Amanda has spoken out, saying people have been sending her death threats.
‘I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons,’ she told The Sun On Sunday.
She said she told ‘a few people’ about her diagnosis in ‘the utmost confidence,’ along with ‘other things that were happening’ in her life at the time.
Amanda said she was ‘very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats,’ claiming people were even threatening her children and ‘bringing up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner.’
The actress, who was previously married to BBC Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman and shares two children with him, went on to thank those who were ‘so kind and lovely and supportive’ to her amid the Strictly drama.
It comes after a source claimed Amanda had been ‘really stressed by having to spend eight hours a day with Giovanni’, and ‘spent a lot of time crying’.
A source told The Sun: ‘The BBC has received a request for the footage they hold of Amanda and Giovanni. It is known as a data subject access request.
‘There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense.’
Giovanni has since reportedly been assured of his place on the prime-time show, claimed the publication.
On Thursday, Giovanni shared a statement on Instagram where he announced a new live show, Let Me Entertain You, and added: ‘I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent messages of support over the last week – I really truly appreciate it – thank you thank you thank you.’
BBC told Metro.co.uk: ‘The BBC offers a comprehensive range of support to all individuals taking part in our shows.
‘Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously and there is a constant dialogue between senior members of the production team and the contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.
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‘Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production,’ they concluded.
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MORE : Why did Amanda Abbington leave Strictly Come Dancing?
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