BREAKING: Amanda Abbington tipped to land high-profile TV comeback following Strictly bullying scandal
The Sherlock actress is said to be starring alongside Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson in the second series of an Apple TV thriller
Amanda Abbington has been tipped to return to television screens in the second series of Apple TV’s detective thriller Down Cemetery Road.
The 52-year-old actress, best known for her role in Sherlock, is said to be appearing alongside Emma Thompson, who reprises her part as private investigator Zoë Boehm whilst also serving as executive producer, and Ruth Wilson, who returns as Sarah Trafford.
The show is based on the work of Mick Herron, the author behind the acclaimed Slow Horses series.
Her specific role in the production has not yet been disclosed, but according to The Su, the alleged casting represents a significant career moment following a prolonged absence from the small screen.
Amanda Abbington withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 before making allegations against her professional partner Giovanni Pernice
The new series brings Ms Thompson’s Zoë Boehm and Ms Wilson’s Sarah Trafford back together to unravel a fresh mystery.
The investigation begins when a woman dies after falling in front of a train, with Zoë brought in to look into the circumstances.
What initially appears straightforward quickly spirals, drawing both characters into the opulent yet cutthroat realm of illicit antiquities trading.
The stakes escalate dramatically when their enquiries lead them to cross paths with a ruthless serial killer determined to conceal his crimes at any cost.
The Sherlock star stepped away from the spotlight following the fallout from her Strictly Come Dancing allegations
The synopsis promises a twisting thriller that builds on the foundations laid in the first series.
Ms Abbington departed Strictly Come Dancing midway through the 2023 series, subsequently alleging her professional partner Giovanni Pernice had engaged in “unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour”.
He acknowledged being a strict instructor, noting his methods were well-known from his years on the show and necessary to achieve high standards.
Mr Pernice denied the accusations outright.
Ms Abbington’s alleged casting would mark her first major television drama since 2023
A BBC inquiry concluded in September that allegations of physical aggression and threatening conduct were not substantiated.
However, the corporation did apologise over upheld complaints relating to verbal bullying and harassment.
Mr Pernice responded by saying he was “pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour”.
The fallout proved severe for Ms Abbington personally, with the actress revealing she received between 20 and 30 death threats daily in the aftermath.
Emma Thompson reprises her role as private investigator Zoë Boehm in the second series of Down Cemetery Road
In the wake of the controversy, Ms Abbington took on a lower-profile stage role in (This Is Not A) Happy Room, performing for intimate audiences at a theatre situated behind a north London pub.
Her last significant television drama was the 2023 thriller Desperate Measures.
The BBC apologised to Abbington after upholding complaints of verbal bullying and harassment following its investigation
During interviews around that period, the actress spoke of looking ahead with optimism, expressing a desire to keep acting and potentially move into directing.
She acknowledged, however, that she remained uncertain about how the public perceived her following such a difficult chapter in her life.
GB News have reached out to representatives for Ms Abbington for comment.
