AN UNKNOWN person claiming to be a friend of Amanda Abbington is asking anyone who has worked on Strictly to come forward if they experienced bad behaviour.

The online plea follows Sherlock actress Amanda quitting the hit BBC1 dance show and claiming pro partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied her in rehearsals.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing
2

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA

An alleged pal of Amanda's is asking anyone who has worked on Strictly to come forward if they experienced bad behaviour
2

An alleged pal of Amanda’s is asking anyone who has worked on Strictly to come forward if they experienced bad behaviourCredit: Pixel8000
Giovanni — who denies any wrongdoing — left while BBC bosses investigate.

Writing in The TV Mindset, a social media forum for TV industry workers, an anonymous member insisted: “It is important to hear as many accounts as possible from others who were treated inappropriately, had grievances, or potentially identify others that were.

“This is crucial in supporting Amanda’s case, as well as potentially anyone else’s.

“It is also ultimately to support all freelancers and the industry as a whole by standing up to such practices.”

The writer assured anyone coming forward: “Sources would be protected.”

An email for responses was given as [email protected] — believed to be short for Strictly Come Dancing Allies.

It is understood up to five people have spoken to two ex-police officers leading the investigation.

Amanda, 52, and 39-year-old TV presenter Laura Whitmore, another former Strictly partner of Gio’s, have lodged complaints through Carter Ruck, a legal firm specialising in media law and reputation management.

A spokesman for Amanda has confirmed: “Amanda has no knowledge of this post or who is behind it.”

The BBC declined to comment.

Strictly’s Gorka breaks silence on Giovanni Pernice in awkward GMB chat – despite BBC ban on stars speaking about him

Shirley in pledge to back him

By Rod McPhee

STRICTLY judges Anton Du Beke and Shirley ­Ballas showed their ­support for Giovanni ­Pernice by attending his Ballando dance workshop.

The BBC had banned them from talking about the Gio investigation.

But Shirley told the dancers at the studio in London: “I’ve known him for ten years and we’re good friends.”

She vowed: “I will be one person who will be by his side forever.

“What you see is what you get with him.”