Amanda Abbington Secures Substantial Settlement From BBC Following Strictly Bullying Row
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Amanda Abbington(Image: ITV)
Amanda Abbington has reached a substantial settlement with the BBC over bullying allegations she made about her time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Sherlock actress previously revealed that she received ‘hundreds’ of death threats on social media after claiming she was subject to a ‘toxic environment’ and behaviour that she alleged was ‘inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying’ while competing on the BBC One show with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2023
Strictly was the subject of a review into the claims in 2024. Italian Giovanni rejected ‘any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour’. He welcomed the conclusion of the review, in which the corporation upheld some but not all of the complaints.
According to the Press Association, the out-of-court settlement was a five-figure sum and was paid by BBC Studios. This means the funds did not come from the licence fee.
It is understood the BBC made no findings relating to physical aggression in its 2024 review but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld. Amanda left the programme early, citing ‘personal reasons’, before alleging ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
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Amanda said in October 2024 that she had not ruled out taking legal action. The BBC introduced a series of measures aimed at improving welfare on the show following the review. The changes made included introduction of a chaperone present ‘at all times’ during training room rehearsals.
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Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Stricly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Giovanni was absent from the Strictly professional line-up in 2024. He went on to join the Italian equivalent called Ballando Con Le Stelle, which he won with actress and singer Bianca Guaccero.
The BBC declined to comment to PA on the settlement. Representatives for Abbington have been contacted by PA for comment.
Strictly is scheduled to return in September. It’s been a period of change for the show, which was won last year by former footballer Karen Carney and pro dancer Carlos Gu.
For several months, fans were pondering just who would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on presenting duties. It was confirmed earlier this year that Love Is Blind UK’s Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will serve as the show’s first hosting trio.
On top of Johannes moving to presenting, there’s been further change for the pro dancer line-up with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez all leaving the series.
Strictly recently revealed five new professional dancers are joining the show to replace those who have departed this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Among those taking part in the 2026 series is the likes of EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, Gavin and Stacey icon Melanie Walters and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.
