Amanda Abbington received a five-figure sum from the BBC regarding bullying claims on Strictly

The BBC has apologised to the actor after an investigation found some of her complaints about her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, were justified.

Published 17 August 2026 618 words
CULTURE C1
Amanda Abbington received a five-figure sum from the BBC regarding bullying claims on Strictly

Actor Amanda Abbington has agreed a financial settlement worth a five-figure sum with the BBC. This agreement is related to her experience on the popular television show Strictly Come Dancing.

The show underwent an official review in 2024 following allegations made by Abbington. She claimed that her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, had subjected her to bullying.

Following the review, the BBC issued an apology to Abbington. The investigation supported some, though not all, of her claims against Pernice. The BBC stated in September 2024 that they wanted to apologise and thank Abbington for coming forward, acknowledging it was a difficult step.

Abbington withdrew from the competition before the end, initially citing personal reasons. She later made allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Pernice has denied all claims of threatening or abusive conduct and expressed he welcomed the review’s outcome, which partially supported the complaints.

The settlement, which was reached out of court, amounts to a five-figure sum. Importantly, the funds were provided by BBC Studios and not from the public licence fee, according to PA Media.

It is understood that the BBC’s 2024 review did not find evidence of physical aggression. However, it did uphold complaints related to verbal bullying and harassment experienced by Abbington.

The BBC has not commented on the details of the settlement. Attempts to reach representatives for Amanda Abbington for a statement were unsuccessful.

In October 2024, Abbington, known for her role in the BBC drama Sherlock, indicated that she might consider legal action against the corporation.

As a result of the review, the BBC has implemented new measures to enhance the well-being of participants on the show. These include ensuring a chaperone is present during all rehearsals in the training room.

Giovanni Pernice was not part of the Strictly professional cast in 2024. He later joined the Italian version of the show, Ballando Con Le Stelle, and won it with actress and singer Bianca Guaccero.

The upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to begin in September. The show will feature three new hosts: broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe. They will be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Additionally, the BBC has confirmed the addition of five new professional dancers: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.

The list of celebrity contestants for the 2026 series includes Dani Dyer-Bowen, a former Love Island winner; Melanie Walters, an actress from Gavin and Stacey; Shaun Wright-Phillips, a former England footballer; and Delta Goodrem, an Australian singer.

Vocabulary

settlement — a formal agreement, especially in a legal dispute, that ends the dispute without a full trial.
allegations — claims or assertions that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof.
upheld — officially confirmed or supported a decision or claim.
withdrew — pulled back or removed oneself from a situation or competition.
inappropriate behaviour — actions or conduct that are not suitable or proper in a particular context, often causing offense or harm.
rejected — refused to accept or consider a proposal or accusation.
licence fee — a sum of money paid annually by households in the UK to fund the BBC.
corporation — a large company or organisation.
implemented — put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
contestants — people who take part in a competition or election.

Discussion Questions

  1. What specific types of behaviour were upheld in the BBC's review concerning Amanda Abbington's allegations?
  2. How has the BBC responded to the allegations by implementing new welfare measures for Strictly Come Dancing participants?
  3. Besides the changes in hosting and professional dancers, what other notable changes or additions are being made for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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