Amanda Abbington rejects Giovanni Pernice's 'banter' claims and says he is 'grossly mischaracterising' their Strictly ordeal

Amanda Abbington has hit back at Giovanni Pernice following his portrayal of their acrimonious Strictly Come Dancing partnership as little more than edgy banter in his new autobiography 'Taking The Lead'. She maintains he is twisting what happened to serve his own version of events, but says she has no wish to engage with him further. The BBC paid Abbington compensation after a six-month investigation found against Pernice, and she is now returning to television work.

Pernice, 35, claimed in the book he could have reported Abbington to Strictly bosses after she made a Nazi salute during rehearsals, but chose not to.

Reportedly, Pernice's pride stopped him addressing accusations early enough to 'nip things in the bud' before his career unravelled.

Abbington, 52, says her focus is on 'moving forward' after the BBC apology and compensation settlement.