Amanda Abbington reveals next role and surprise dream to star in much-loved soap

Amanda Abbington has lifted the lid on her future plans after she quit Strictly Come Dancing last year before accusing dancer, Giovanni Pernice, of bullying her

Amanda Abbington has revealed her next role and surprising soap ambitions as she reflects on her future after Strictly.

The Sherlock star, 50, hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year when she accused Giovanni Pernice, 34, of bullying her on the BBC dance show, prompting the broadcaster to launch an investigation.

Last month, the BBC apologised to Amanda, claiming that some of her less serious claims against the Italian dancer were upheld. Following the ordeal, in which the actress claims she was sent death threats, Amanda is adamant she won't be doing any more reality TV - but she has no plans to step away from showbiz.

Speaking about her next move after performing to a sold-out crowd at the Park Theatre in London, she said: "Acting is my first love. I'd like to try directing too, so that's something I'm looking into and writing - but me and reality TV really don't get on with each other!"

As well as directing, Amanda has another dream - to star in EastEnders. Pointing out that Elstree Studios is close to where she lives, she told Closer magazine: "I love EastEnders and they film just down the road from me." When asked if a stint in Walford would be her "dream", she added: "I'd certainly love to do it. Anything that piques my interest is always something that I'd love to do."

There were high hopes for Amanda when she was paired with Giovanni on Strictly last year, but things ended bitterly when she left the show, citing medical reasons. The actress recently revealed that she had been dealing with a breast cancer scare while on the show - as well as the alleged abuse from Giovanni.

Amanda filed a complaint against the Sicilian shortly after quitting the show and made a number of allegations about him - including that he used vile and insulting language when speaking to her. Giovanni has always strongly denied Amanda's claims.

A BBC inquiry into the matter mostly exonerated the professional dancer from allegations, but did issue an apology to Amanda after confirming some of her accusations.

In a recent interview, the actress recalled discovering two lumps in her breast, which turned out to be non-cancerous, during what turned out to be her 'final week' on Strictly. She added she was relieved her cancer scare meant she could quit the competition.

Responding to the BBC's statement, following her allegations, Amanda said that coming forward "was not an easy thing to do", stating: "This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were “not enough”'.

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