Amanda Abbington told she would 'die on stage' as police race to investigate anonymous threat

4 August 2024, 11:22 | Updated: 4 August 2024, 11:43

Amanda Abbington
Amanda Abbington. Picture: Alamy

By Kit Heren

Amanda Abbington has been sent a death threat over her complaint about former Strictly star Giovanni Pernice.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Abbington is said to have been told via email on Friday that she would "die on stage" unless she retracted the bullying complaints about the dancer.

The threat left the 50-year-old actress "absolutely terrified", according to the Sun, especially as the theatre where she is currently performing is small, with the audience "within touching distance" of the stage.

Abbington is appearing in the play When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in the Finsbury park area of north London.

Police they were called to a theatre in the area on Friday afternoon.

Read more: Strictly star Giovanni Pernice breaks silence after Amanda Abbington compares show to 'the trenches'

Read more: Axed Strictly star Giovanni Pernice has 'bombshell evidence' that 'proves Amanda Abbington is lying'

Giovanni Pernice
Giovanni Pernice. Picture: Alamy

Officers said in a statement: "Police were called at around 4pm on Friday August 2 by a staff member at a theatre in Finsbury Park following receipt of an alleged malicious communication.

"There have been no arrests, inquiries are ongoing."

Abbington made a formal complaint about Pernice's teaching methods after she left the BBC One show, citing at the time "medical" and "personal" reasons.

The TV and theatre star told The Sunday Times in July that the aftermath had been "really brutal", and she had received "death threats and rape threats".

Amanda Abbington
Amanda Abbington. Picture: Alamy

Abbington later alleged she was subject to "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying" and a "toxic environment" while on the programme.

Pernice, who will not compete on Strictly this year, rejects "any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour", and believes he will be cleared by a review.

Jez Bond, artistic director and CEO of the Park Theatre, said: "We can confirm we reported a threat to the police, and are assisting them in their inquiries.

"The safety of all our performers, theatre staff and visitors are of paramount importance."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me," Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media.

American influencer apologises after being threatened with deportation for snatching baby wombat from mum

The Forum Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant chef uses CCTV to prove 'nonsense' reviews wrong

Soccer - International Friendly - Venezuela v Nigeria

England star John Fashanu arrested over 'five crimes' as he sues police for £100,000 compensation

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

'Stranded' NASA astronauts set to return from nine month space mission - but what health issues could they face?

Exclusive
Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks star.

Rizzle Kicks star says children 'rely' on online communities for connection as he says 'boredom' to blame for rising crime

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Military chiefs to meet in UK next week - as Starmer confirms Ukraine peace effort ‘moving into operational phase’

Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast in England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Dan Kitwood/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian captain of Solong container ship remanded in custody following crash with US oil tanker

BRITAIN-UKRAINE-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS-DEFENCE

'Coalition of the willing': Starmer hosts Ukraine peace summit as PM urges Putin to 'come to the negotiating table'

Joanne Penney, 40.

Five charged and one arrested after fatal shooting of 'deeply loved' mother

Ozdemir Zia hit Edna McLean as he turned his double-decker near Woolwich Arsenal station, London.

Bus driver avoids jail after killing 83-year-old pensioner in 'momentary error'

Front facade of a pretty country cottage, Netherbury, Dorset, UK - John Gollop

Met Police suggest planting roses in your garden could deter would-be burglars

March 11, 2025, London, England, UK: Actor, director and writer NOEL CLARKE arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice for his libel case against The Guardian over articles on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Actress said to have been groped by actor Noel Clarke tells court 'it is a lie'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months

The body of 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen was discovered in a basement in Great Portland Street, London, in 2008

On-the-run suspect urged to hand himself in 17 years on from murder and rape of student found dead in basement

Pint of Guinness in front of different ale and beer pumps, The Merchant's Arch Bar & Restaurant, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Guinness pint prices could soar to more than £6 due to Trump’s tariff war