Amanda Abbington Receives Five-Figure BBC Settlement

The BBC has reached a five-figure settlement with actor Amanda Abbington concerning allegations of bullying and harassment during her participation in the television program Strictly Come Dancing. The settlement follows a review initiated in 2024, which investigated claims Abbington made against her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice. The review, conducted by the BBC, upheld "some" of Abbington's allegations, leading to the broadcaster issuing a formal apology to the actor. The specific details of the settlement amount remain undisclosed, but it is described as a "five-figure sum."

Abbington, known for her roles in Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, participated in the 2023 season of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Pernice. Their professional relationship reportedly became strained during the competition, culminating in Abbington's withdrawal from the show's final. Following her departure, Abbington reportedly made formal complaints to the BBC, detailing her experiences with Pernice. These complaints triggered the internal review process, aimed at assessing the validity of the allegations and ensuring appropriate conduct within the production. The review's findings, which partially supported Abbington's claims, prompted the BBC's decision to offer an apology and financial compensation.

Giovanni Pernice, an Italian professional dancer, has been a fixture on Strictly Come Dancing since 2015. He has partnered with numerous celebrities during his tenure on the show, achieving varying degrees of success. Prior to Abbington's allegations, Pernice had not faced public accusations of bullying or harassment in relation to his professional conduct on Strictly. The review's outcome suggests a significant divergence between the public perception of the show's professional environment and the experiences of some participants. The BBC's apology acknowledges the impact of these events on Abbington and underscores the broadcaster's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all involved in its productions. The settlement aims to resolve the matter amicably and prevent further public dispute.

The BBC's internal review process is designed to address grievances and ensure accountability within its programming. In cases involving allegations of misconduct, such reviews typically involve interviews with the complainant, the accused party, and any relevant witnesses, as well as an examination of available evidence. The decision to uphold "some" of Abbington's allegations indicates that the review found merit in certain aspects of her claims, though not necessarily all. The precise nature of the upheld allegations has not been publicly detailed, but the context of bullying and harassment suggests issues related to interpersonal conduct and professional treatment. The five-figure settlement represents a financial acknowledgment by the BBC of the distress and potential harm caused to Abbington, as determined by the review's findings. This resolution seeks to provide closure for Abbington and address the reputational and operational implications for Strictly Come Dancing.