Amanda Abbington awarded five-figure sum by BBC over bullying allegations on Strictly

The actor Amanda Abbington has reached a five-figure settlement with the BBC over bullying allegations she made about her time on Strictly Come Dancing.

The programme was the subject of a review in 2024 after she alleged her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, had bullied and harassed her.

The BBC apologised to Abbington after the review upheld “some, but not all” of the allegations against Pernice. In September 2024 it said: “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.”

Abbington left the celebrity dance show early, citing personal reasons, before alleging “inappropriate behaviour”. Pernice rejected any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour and welcomed the conclusion of the review, which upheld some but not all of the complaints.

The out-of-court settlement was a five-figure sum and was paid by BBC Studios, meaning the funds did not come from the licence fee, PA Media understands.

It is also understood the corporation made no findings relating to physical aggression in its 2024 review, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.

The BBC declined to comment on the settlement. Representatives for Abbington were contacted for comment.

In October 2024, Abbington, who has appeared in BBC drama Sherlock, said she had not ruled out taking legal action against the corporation.

Following its review, the BBC introduced a series of measures aimed at improving welfare on the show, including the introduction of a chaperone present “at all times” during training room rehearsals.

Pernice was absent from the Strictly professional lineup in 2024 and went on to join the Italian equivalent called Ballando Con Le Stelle, which he won with actor and singer Bianca Guaccero.

Strictly is preparing for its next series, which airs in September, with three new hosts – broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe – replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The BBC has also confirmed five new professional dancers are joining: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.

Celebrity contestants for the 2026 series include former Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters, former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.