Amanda Abbington has reportedly called in police after being flooded with death threats after accusing former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying behaviour

Giovanni and Amanda were paired up last year before her exit from the show (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington is said to have called the police after being flooded with death threats from trolls online.

The actress recently accused former dance partner Giovanni Pernice of “abusive or threatening behaviour” that left her “broken and in tears” and suffering from “mild Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”.

The 50-year-old has since deleted her Instagram account after getting many messages from fans of the Strictly pro.

Now, The Sun reports that the Sherlock actress has been in touch with the local police force to protect herself and her family.

“Amanda has been left petrified and feeling very vulnerable in public,” a source told the publication. “She has been worried about leaving the house to do simple errands like walking the dog or picking up groceries.

Giovanni has denied claims made against him (Image: BBC)
“At one point she was struggling to field the hundreds of messages from Giovanni supporters saying nasty things and threatening her safety.”

The insider then said that the aftermath has been ‘awful’ for Amanda to cope with. “It was awful to cope with. The sheer volume was horrendous and the content was unspeakable and incredibly threatening. The police have taken the messages seriously.”

Although she deleted her Instagram earlier this month, the insider claims it hasn’t stopped the trolls. “It has felt like a real public pile on and got very ugly with personal, offensive attacks,” the source added.

OK! has contacted representatives of Amanda for comment.

Giovanni has recently quit the BBC show after nine years, but has strongly denied any allegations against him.

Giovanni has left the show after 9 years (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Taking to his Instagram, the 33-year-old Italian dancer penned: “To my fans and followers, as you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour.

“The latest accusations are simply false. I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.

“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.”

Following the pro’s departure from Strictly, sources claim he’s in ‘advanced talks’ to join the Italian version of the show.

“Giovanni is in advanced talks to join the Italian version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars,” a source told The Mail. “Bosses are really keen to sign him as a judge given his fame and status in the UK but are also open to the dancer performing as a professional, if he still wants to compete.

“All he wants is a fresh start and to join Dancing with the Stars in Italy will certainly give him the new chapter he’s been hoping for,” the insider continued.