Strictly's Amanda Abbington 'takes legal advice as she demands rehearsals footage'

Amanda Abbington has reportedly requested footage of her Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals with Giovanni Pernice amid claims she is seeking legal advice. According to The Sun, an on-set source said: “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."

A spokesperson for the BBC declined to comment when approached by Express.co.uk. Representatives for Giovanni and Amanda are also yet to respond.

Back in October, Amanda announced she was "unable to continue" in the competition for "personal reasons". At the time, Giovanni shared a picture of the pair during movie week, writing: "Amanda... I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly."

The actress however failed to mention Giovanni in her leaving statement, which sparked further rumours of a feud. She wrote: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.

"It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside."

Amanda went on to thank the "kind and caring" team who "looked after" her, adding: "I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further.

"Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you.xxx."

An insider later claimed that Giovanni was "annoyed" by Amanda's sudden exit as he only found out about it through a producer.

They added to the Daily Star: "She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening."

Despite feud rumours, the pair still follow each other on social media and have previously insisted all is well between them.

Speaking on Strictly: It Takes Two while still a part of the competition, she said: "Yeah we are [having a good time], we are! We do and we laugh a lot, we have the same sense of humour which is really important."

"So we'll come out, work hard, and then we just laugh don't we," to which Giovanni agreed.

Giovanni added: "We do have a good time. But at the same time, it’s a difficult process. Especially for people who have never done Strictly before.

"I always say it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The first few weeks, it is difficult.

"It’s a lot of hours to train, it’s a lot of hours you have to concentrate.”

The 2023 series was won by Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.