Amanda Abbington Secures Substantial Settlement After Strictly Come Dancing Bullying Row

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Amanda Abbington Secures Substantial Settlement After Strictly Come Dancing Bullying Row

16.08.2026 16 August 2026
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Amanda Abbington Secures Substantial Settlement After Strictly Come Dancing Bullying Row

Amanda Abbington Reportedly Reaches Settlement Over Strictly Come Dancing Dispute

Amanda Abbington has reportedly reached a substantial out-of-court settlement with BBC Studios following the long-running dispute over her time on Strictly Come Dancing.

The 53-year-old Sherlock actress joined the BBC competition in 2023 and was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. She withdrew in week five, initially citing personal and medical reasons, before later raising complaints about Pernice's behaviour during rehearsals.

Abbington subsequently said the experience had left her with post-traumatic stress disorder. Pernice strongly denied allegations of abusive or threatening conduct and did not return to Strictly for the following series.

The BBC launched a five-month investigation into Abbington's complaints. When the review concluded in September 2024, some allegations were upheld while others were rejected. Investigators did not find that Pernice had been physically abusive, although complaints relating to aspects of his language and behaviour were upheld. The BBC later apologised to Abbington and thanked her for raising her concerns.

Abbington is now understood to have received a five-figure payment from BBC Studios, together with a contribution towards her legal costs, bringing the dispute to a close without further court action.

A source said: “It’s been a long, hard journey, but now she can close this chapter and move on with her life.”

The settlement comes shortly before the August 27 publication of Pernice's memoir, Taking the Lead.

The controversy also contributed to wider scrutiny of welfare and rehearsal practices on Strictly Come Dancing. Zara McDermott's experience while partnered with Graziano Di Prima became another major focus of concern, adding pressure on the programme to strengthen safeguards for contestants.

Executive producer Sarah James was among the senior figures overseeing the show during this period, as the BBC introduced additional welfare measures around rehearsals and contestant support.

PERNICE Giovanni

Italian professional dancer
#302
ABBINGTON Amanda

English actress
#310
MCDERMOTT Zara

English reality television personality
#623
DI PRIMA Graziano

Italian dancer and choreographer
#626
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

#1

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