ITV GMB's Susanna Reid backs Amanda Abbington over training footage demand in Giovanni Pernice row: 'Has reason!'

ITV GMB's Susanna Reid backs Amanda Abbington over training footage demand in Giovanni Pernice row: 'Has reason!'

WATCH NOW: Susanna Reid says Amanda Abbington 'has reason' to demand training room footage

ITV
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 10/01/2024

- 13:08

The presenter also took part in Strictly back in 2013

Amanda Abbington has been backed by former Strictly star and Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid amid the ongoing reports she's seeking "legal advice" regarding her time on the BBC dance competition.

The Sherlock star quit Strictly just a few weeks in last year and in the months since it's been reported she's developed PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as a result of training with Giovanni Pernice.


Abbington said at the time of her exit her departure was down to "personal reasons" but an omission of Pernice from her exit statement as well as a rather awkward final ever joint interview days prior added to speculation of a rift.

After reports emerged that Abbington has "demanded" to see footage from the rehearsals in her quest for legal advice, the BBC has reportedly thrown its backing behind Pernice and pledged to keep him on board Strictly.

His former partner Debbie McGee also publicly came forward with a show of support for the dancer amid the reports, leading him to break his silence on the row and "thank" her for the gesture.

Wading into the debate on Wednesday morning following the claims that the Beeb has backed Pernice, former finalist Reid mulled over the row with colleague and fellow Strictly alum Richard Arnold.

Susanna Reid

ITV GMB's Susanna Reid says Abbington 'has reason' to ask for footage

ITV

Arnold brought up the "rumours of a Strictly feud" between the two before he shared his own insight.

He said: "Rehearsals can get a little bit tense when you hoofing around and in firm hold, or in my case not-so-firm hold because I was in no danger of reaching the final.

"(But) certainly when the competition ramps up it can get a bit tense. My experience was a great experience."

Reid weighed in: "It's a shame for anyone who didn't have a good experience, because, at it's best, it is a sparkling wonderland."

WATCH NOW: Giovanni and Amanda in awkward 'rumours' probe during final joint interview 

"Glorious!" Arnold contributed before Reid went on: "Obviously some contestants have not had that experience."

"Very few," Arnold protested before Reid sympathised with Abbington as she mused: "I am sure Amanda has reason to ask for that footage, it seems."

And Reid's co-host Richard Madeley echoed the sentiment as he chipped in: "As Susanna implies, she wouldn't ask for the footage if she didn't think there was something on it to justify her complaints.

"Why ask for it? She knows what happened," Madeley said to his co-stars before Arnold swiftly moved things on.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice during their time on Strictly's It Takes Two

BBC

Reid didn't dance with Pernice during her time on the show as he joined the cast two years after she reached the final with Kevin Clifton.

GB News has contacted the BBC for comment regarding the reports.

A spokesperson did release a statement on Monday, however, in which they said: "Strictly Come Dancing has always taken duty of care incredibly seriously...

"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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