Amanda Abbington has reportedly been awarded a huge out-of-court settlement fee following her Strictly Come Dancing stint, which was tarnished by scandal.
The Sherlock actress, 52, took part in the BBC dance show in 2023, during which time she was partnered with then-fan favourite Giovanni Pernice, 35.
While all appeared jolly on screen, Amanda abruptly exited the programme after just five weeks, despite regularly placing high on the leaderboard and receiving praise from the judges.
She cited health reasons at the time, but it later emerged that she disagreed with Giovanni’s training methods, accusing him of ‘bullying’ and creating a ‘toxic environment’, which he denied.
An internal probe was launched into Amanda’s complaints and found ‘some, but not all’ should be upheld.
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Upheld complaints included those of verbal bullying and harassment, with Giovanni’s language called ‘belittling, dismissive, and insulting’. He was cleared of claims of physical aggression.
Now, it’s been reported that Amanda has received a five-figure sum from BBC Studios, plus a contribution to her legal fees.
According to The Sun, the agreement, almost three years on from her short-lived Strictly appearance, means the Beeb has dodged having to potentially go to court over a claim for loss of earnings and damages.
A source told the publication: ‘Amanda’s friends and family are all relieved for her that this ordeal is finally over.
‘It’s been a long, hard journey, but now she can close this chapter and move on with her life.’
They added that it appears the BBC is ‘taking responsibility’ for what she ‘suffered on set’ by compensating her, as well as previously publicly apologising.
‘She hopes that this case will give others strength and encourage people to speak up.’
Indeed, in September 2024, once the investigation into Amanda’s claims was complete, the BBC issued a statement, saying it takes allegations of bullying and harassment ‘very seriously’.