Amanda Abbington hugs fans on emotional return to the stage for 'When It Happens To You' following Strictly bullying allegations and makes pointed remark about 'expecting others to be nice'

Amanda Abbington hugged fans and posed for selfies following a triumphant return to the stage — putting her Strictly woes behind her.

Abbington received a rousing ovation after performing at the intimate Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, north London, in front of a near sell-out 209-strong crowd.

She appeared in the lead role in When It Happens To You by American playwright Tawni O'Dell — her first public appearance since the Strictly furore.

The former Sherlock actress, wearing a T-shirt with the slogan 'Quiet no more', later told MailOnline of her pride after receiving a rapturous reception.

Speaking outside the Park Theatre, she said: 'It is a wonderful play and an important story to be told.

'I was chomping at the bit to perform it in front of an audience.'

Referring to her slogan t-shirt, she said: 'It's an important message. It's all about protecting sections of society, it's not rocket science.

'It's about trying to be nice and expecting others to be nice in return, but it's not always the case.'

Play director Jez Bond said he had wanted to work with Abbington for a number of years and first sent her the script 18 months ago.

Speaking after the play's first public performance in Britain, he said: 'After I sent her the script, she got back to me immediately and said she wanted to do it, because it was an important story to tell.

'When the Strictly situation blew up the misogynistic narrative was deeply frustrating.

'Amanda's hands are tied at the moment because she can't talk about it publically while the investigation is ongoing.

'Do I have faith in the investigation? Not at all. But the truth will out as it always does.'

The Sherlock actress has made allegations about dance partner Giovanni Pernice's tough training techniques last year.

In January, it was reported the 51-year-old requested footage of the duo's 'tense' training sessions, leading to a misconduct probe.

The results of the investigation are expected to be revealed this week with Pernice's camp confident he will be cleared. 

Giovanni Penrice has always denied all of the allegations, claiming to have provided a dossier of evidence to Beeb investigators.

Giovanni is convinced he has presented evidence that proves he is far from the 'cruel, abusive and mean' man the Sherlock star Amanda claims he is.

Abbington put the Strictly controversy behind her with a confident performance.

With her dark hair slicked back and wearing a cream blouse, pleated baggy brown trousers and brown Doc Marten-style boots, she remained on stage throughout the intense four-person 90 minute performance.

She played Tara, an American writer, whose chef daughter Esme calls her to say she has been raped in New York.

The intense play deals with the traumatic after effects on the whole family.

Abbington smiled broadly as the cast received rapturous applause from the audience at the conclusion,

Her delighted fans praised her performance.

Brontë Henwood, 26, a writer from London, had attended to support Abbington.

Ms Henwood said: 'The show is an important story to tell. It has been a difficult period for Amanda.

'I don't want to speak for her, but in the situation she has found herself in nobody wins.'

Theatre lover Sarah Bezem, 58, also praised Abbington.

She said: It was an excellent performance: very powerful.

'The play was very intense. I really enjoyed it.'