Amanda Abbington’s parents have witnessed their daughter face rejection time and time again, from her early days as a ballet dancer to her struggling career as an actress.
In an exclusive chat with the Mail, they share how Amanda, their only child, would simply “tough it out” despite the setbacks. Amanda’s mother, Patsy, remembers the intense ballet training that often left Amanda’s feet bleeding, but she pressed on through years of grueling sessions.
Her time at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey only toughened her resolve as she faced numerous dismissals with a resilient attitude.
“It’s a tough profession,” Patsy notes. “You get rejected a lot, and she did, especially in the beginning.”
John, Amanda’s father and a retired taxi driver, adds, “She’s been told she wasn’t good enough by people far more qualified than those on Strictly.”
However, the public’s view of Amanda as a tough cookie contrasts sharply with her recent tearful interviews.
She has openly discussed feeling “bullied” by her dance partner Giovanni Pernice on *Strictly Come Dancing*, leading to a wave of allegations that starkly differ from her earlier image of resilience.
Since leaving the show after just five weeks, Amanda, now 52, has revealed more about her experiences with Giovanni, including claims of “humiliating behavior of a sexual nature.”
Giovanni has strongly denied these allegations and is eager to clear his name.
Amanda’s formal complaint to the BBC, filed in April after seeking legal advice from Carter-Ruck, is expected to result in a resolution soon.
The whole situation has deeply affected Amanda, as well as her parents, John and Patsy, who are now grappling with the emotional toll.
John and Patsy, who live in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, near Amanda’s childhood home, describe their serene surroundings but reveal a different reality behind closed doors.
The couple is visibly distressed by the ongoing drama. “I worry about it as soon as I wake up and before I go to bed,” John admits. “It’s the aftermath that concerns me too.
Will she be able to continue her career?” Patsy adds, “She’s apologized to us for what we’re going through. It’s been hard.”
Initially, Amanda’s family was thrilled when she joined *Strictly*.
Patsy recalls, “It should have been such a lovely experience,” while John adds, “We were all looking forward to it.”
However, the joy quickly faded as Amanda described the show as the “hardest thing she’d ever done,” and her condition worsened over time.
Patsy noticed a dramatic change in Amanda’s demeanor, which she initially tried to shield from her parents.
Personal Struggles and Public Fallout
Amanda’s struggles were not new.
She has endured significant personal hardships, including a painful breakup with actor Martin Freeman that left her feeling suicidal and worthless.
Her early years were marked by bullying, and she admitted to experiencing severe emotional trauma, which was compounded by her high-profile breakup and subsequent personal challenges.
Despite a brief engagement to Jonjo O’Neill and a new relationship with stuntman Jonathan Goodman, Amanda has faced a series of emotional setbacks, including a recent tragedy involving Goodman.
The Big Question
Amanda’s challenges raise questions about whether her past difficulties contributed to her fallout with Giovanni. The BBC is under scrutiny, especially regarding its handling of psychological support for celebrities.
Giovanni believes Amanda was mismatched with him due to her mental health, while John criticizes the BBC for not addressing Amanda’s complaints promptly.
Looking Ahead
The BBC’s investigation, which began in April, is nearing its conclusion, and everyone involved, including Giovanni, is anxiously awaiting the results.
Despite the conflict, John and Patsy’s perspective on Giovanni is surprisingly empathetic.
John expresses some sympathy for him, while Patsy echoes a sentiment shared by many: “We just want it dealt with.”
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