Amanda Abbington has received a substantial payout from the BBC after lodging a legal complaint concerning her time on the 2023 season of "Strictly Come Dancing." The actress exited the competition prematurely that year, alleging that her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, subjected her to "vile abuse" during rehearsals. This complaint triggered an inquiry by the broadcaster.
The settlement, reportedly a five-figure sum, along with a contribution to Abbington's legal costs, was issued by BBC Studios. This resolution is understood to be an effort to avert a protracted legal battle and allow Abbington, who was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to move past the experience.
A source close to the actress stated that Abbington's friends and family are relieved the ordeal has concluded. "The fact the BBC have compensated Amanda as well as previously publicly apologising really proves that they are taking responsibility for the bullying she suffered on set," the source told The Sun on Sunday. "She hopes that this case will give others strength and encourage people to speak up."
Following its investigation, the BBC cleared Pernice of the most serious accusations. However, the broadcaster issued a formal apology to Abbington. The BBC's report concluded that some of the language Pernice used could be perceived as "belittling" and agreed with Abbington that his feedback was at times "overly negative," including instances of profanity during rehearsals. The investigation, which reviewed hours of rehearsal footage, also identified two moments of "inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace," which were deemed to have been exchanged as jokes between the pair.
Abbington had previously shared that she felt a sense of relief when a cancer scare led to her departure from the show. She recounted discovering two lumps in her breast on the morning of a rehearsal, which significantly impacted her ability to concentrate. She stated that her professional partner's reaction to her news was, "Well, let me know how it goes." Abbington described this moment as a catalyst, finding it a healthier option than continuing with the program under the circumstances.