BBC Strictly's Amanda Abbington 'wary and vulnerable' as 'true self' shines in explosive interview

Amanda Abbington appeared on BBC Newsnight to speak about the BBC's in-house probe into Giovanni Pernice's behaviour after the Italian pro was accused of being 'controlling and aggressive'

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington has opened up about her experience with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice during their rehearsals in a revealing BBC interview. Speaking to Victoria Derbyshire on BBC Newsnight, following the broadcast of an investigative report, the Sherlock star discussed the findings which confirmed six out of her 17 complaints against Pernice.

The actress expressed "no regrets" over raising these issues, despite acknowledging it as one of her toughest years. Renowned body language expert Judi James provided insight into Abbington's demeanour during the interview, describing her as "wary and vulnerable" yet exhibiting "openness".

According to the analysis shared with Express.co.uk, James noted, "Abbington's simple, severe monochrome styling here is in complete contrast to all the showbiz glitz of Strictly."

She added, "She sits in an elegant, composed pose...wearing a part-smile that looks polite but also slightly wary and vulnerable."

James also commented on how Abbington communicated effectively with both the interviewer and the audience: "Her voice is soft but firm in intent and her eyes move from her interviewer to the camera as though keeping up a conversation with two people.", reports the Express.

When questioned about the apology, Abbington responded with a lopsided, wry smile, using her head to emphasise her words and spreading her hands wide to indicate openness. "She seems to be keeping any hint of drama out of her body language here, despite what she describes as 'One of the worst years of my life'."

Judi explained further about Amanda's possible feelings, saying: "There are some clues to inner emotions as she performs a tongue-poke and then sucks her lips in.She puts her glasses on to read from the report and giving examples when asked, her movements become more staccato and her thumbs rub together in a sign of possible anxiety or upset."

"There are some clues to inner emotions as she performs a tongue-poke and then sucks her lips in.She puts her glasses on to read from the report and giving examples when asked, her movements become more staccato and her thumbs rub together in a sign of possible anxiety or upset."

"She rubs her hands together in a similar gesture and there is another wry smile as Pernice's quotes are read out to her."