A famous face has become an ambassador for a Swindon-based helpline after having a bad experience on Strictly Come Dancing.

Amanda Abbington wants to help the National Bullying Helpline’s efforts to raise awareness of resources that can help people in similar situations to her.

This comes after the Sherlock star left the BBC’s flagship dance competition in 2023 due to concerns about the behaviour of her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

She made 17 complaints accusing him of “cruel and mean” behaviour, which he refuted, and an official investigation by the broadcaster found that the dance professional had breached its anti-bullying and harassment policy in six of them.

The helpline’s manager Christine Pratt said that the partnership came about after she spoke on LBC Radio.

She added: “We are delighted to have her on board and looking forward to working with her and putting plans together. She’s a very graceful, strong and determined woman who is highly principled.

“I was discussing the aftermath of an interview that Giovanni gave, saying that my concern with any accusation of bullying is that going public with a statement of denial can compound the stress of the person who believes they have been targeted.

“I talked about the proper procedure needing to be followed. Later that day, having spoken to her legal team, I spoke to Amanda and she expressed interest in working with us.

“Our objective is not to regurgitate controversy but to turn a negative into a positive and see some good come out of a distressing situation.

“She wants to help us ensure that anyone who believes they are being bullied has the confidence to come forward because, after 24 years of campaigning, I still see people in these situations who are too frightened to speak out for fear of being attacked and disbelieved.

“If people feel strongly about unacceptable behaviour or are struggling with trauma or harassment, we want to give them the support and resources they need.

“It’s important to confront, record, inform, and make sure the process is followed.”

Amanda Abbinton and Christine PrattAmanda Abbinton and Christine Pratt (Image: Left: BBC/PA. Right: National Bullying Helpline.) Christine hopes that Amanda and the other ambassadors can continue to raise awareness in future campaigning and fundraising efforts.

Amanda told the Sunday Mirror: “Having been bullied several times in my life, I appreciate just how important it is to stand up to bullies.

“I would like to help raise awareness to ensure those traumatised due to abuse know exactly where to go in order to seek help.

“I’m excited about becoming an ambassador for The National Bullying Helpline. They do amazing work.”

Christine’s new book Silent Epidemic focuses on the embitterment that bullying victims face and the concept of Post-Traumatic embitterment disorder.

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