Amanda Abbington has reportedly been awarded a five-figure out-of-court settlement from BBC Studios, plus a contribution to her legal fees, nearly three years after her short-lived stint on Strictly Come Dancing was overshadowed by a bullying scandal.
The Sherlock actress, 52, took part in the BBC dance show in 2023, partnered with then-fan favourite Giovanni Pernice, 35. While all appeared jolly on screen, Amanda abruptly exited the programme after just five weeks, despite regularly placing high on the leaderboard and receiving praise from the judges. She cited health reasons at the time, but it later emerged that she disagreed with Giovanni’s training methods, accusing him of bullying and creating a toxic environment, which he denied.
An internal probe into Amanda’s complaints found that “some, but not all” should be upheld. Upheld complaints included those of verbal bullying and harassment, with Giovanni’s language called “belittling, dismissive, and insulting.” He was cleared of claims of physical aggression.
Settlement Details and Reactions
According to The Sun, the agreement means the BBC has avoided a potential court case over a claim for loss of earnings and damages. A source told the publication: “Amanda’s friends and family are all relieved for her that this ordeal is finally over. It’s been a long, hard journey, but now she can close this chapter and move on with her life.” They added that it appears the BBC is “taking responsibility” for what she “suffered on set” by compensating her, as well as previously publicly apologising. “She hopes that this case will give others strength and encourage people to speak up.”
The BBC declined to comment. Reps for Amanda Abbington have been contacted for comment.
BBC Apology and Aftermath
In September 2024, once the investigation into Amanda’s claims was complete, the BBC issued a statement, saying it takes allegations of bullying and harassment “very seriously.” The response added that the review into Amanda’s complaints had taken a while due to being “complex” and to ensure the process was “rigorous and robust.” “We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do,” the broadcaster added.
Italian pro Giovanni, who famously won Strictly in 2021 with Rose Ayling-Ellis, was consequently axed from the programme. He joined the Italian version of Strictly two years ago and won his first series with actress Bianca Guaccero, whom he’s now dating.
Amanda’s Experience and New Protocols
As for Amanda, the TV star said she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after Strictly, calling the period “one of the worst years of my life.” She also admitted she was “relieved” when a cancer scare meant she could quit the show. Amanda previously said she has “no regrets” about raising her issues, even though she went on to receive “hundreds” of rape and death threats, which also targeted her teenage daughter and prompted a police investigation.
Appearing on Newsnight with Victoria Derbyshire, Amanda recalled enduring “a litany of verbal abuse” for “seven hours a day, for seven weeks.” “There was a 35-minute rant at me with him throwing his hands up in the air and calling me names and telling me all sorts of things that I was and how he couldn’t really cope with it anymore,” she said. Amanda added that she never set out to “ruin anybody’s career” or take down Strictly. She also claimed to have met up with other former contestants, including past partners of Giovanni’s, to talk about the alleged “inappropriate behaviour” they, too, were said to have experienced.
A spokesperson for Giovanni simply said previously that he was “relieved” that the “very serious allegations made against him” were not upheld. Then, in his first TV interview post-investigation and post-Strictly axing, Giovanni told ITV’s Lorraine that he “wouldn’t change” his teaching style, despite all the controversy surrounding it. “Frustration, I think, is something that, when you want to be good, it happens. And I do care about my job,” he said. “And when you have somebody in your hands like Amanda, which, in my opinion, she was brilliant, she was unbelievable at dancing, it’s normal that I try to get out the best I can.”
In light of the tensions surrounding Strictly in recent series, new protocols were implemented. These included chaperones being present in the rehearsal rooms and new welfare specialists being hired, both for celebs and pros.
