Amanda Abbington, known for her roles in British television, including the acclaimed series *Sherlock*, has secured a five-figure settlement from the BBC following her allegations of bullying during her participation in *Strictly Come Dancing* in 2023. The BBC has issued an apology to Abbington after a comprehensive review upheld some of her claims against her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice.
Background of the Allegations
In 2024, Abbington left the popular dance competition prematurely, citing personal reasons, and subsequently raised concerns about the behaviour of her professional partner. She accused Pernice of bullying and harassment, prompting an internal investigation by the BBC. The findings of this review revealed that while not all accusations were substantiated, some instances of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.
The BBC’s statement in September 2024 expressed gratitude to Abbington for her bravery in coming forward, acknowledging the difficulty associated with such disclosures. Pernice, for his part, denied any allegations of threatening or abusive behaviour and welcomed the review’s conclusion, which partially supported Abbington’s claims.
Details of the Settlement
The financial settlement, described as a five-figure sum, was reportedly settled by BBC Studios, ensuring that no public licence fee money was used. While the investigation found no evidence of physical aggression, it confirmed complaints regarding verbal misconduct, leading to significant concerns about the welfare of contestants on the show.
Abbington’s representatives were approached for comment regarding the settlement, but the BBC has chosen not to provide further details on the matter. Following the review’s conclusions, Abbington did not dismiss the possibility of pursuing further legal actions against the corporation.
Changes Implemented by the BBC
In response to the review’s findings, the BBC enacted new measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of participants on *Strictly Come Dancing*. This includes the introduction of a chaperone who will be present at all times during training sessions, demonstrating the corporation’s commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for its contestants.
In addition to these changes, Giovanni Pernice has taken a step back from the *Strictly* professional lineup for the 2024 series. He has since participated in the Italian version of the show, *Ballando Con Le Stelle*, where he achieved success with his partner, singer Bianca Guaccero.
Upcoming Series and New Faces
As *Strictly Come Dancing* gears up for its new series, set to debut in September, the show has announced a revamp in its hosting team, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe stepping in to replace the previous hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The upcoming series will also feature five new professional dancers: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
Among the celebrity contestants for the 2026 series are notable figures such as former *Love Island* winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, actress Melanie Walters from *Gavin and Stacey*, ex-England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the Australian singer Delta Goodrem.
Why it Matters
This settlement and the subsequent changes within the BBC highlight the importance of fostering a safe and respectful environment in competitive entertainment programmes. As allegations of bullying gain increasing attention across various industries, the proactive measures taken by the BBC serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and support for individuals who come forward with their experiences. The impact of Abbington’s case could resonate beyond *Strictly Come Dancing*, influencing how other shows operate and prioritise the welfare of their contestants.
