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 topic of a overview in 2024 after she alleged her skilled accomplice, Giovanni Pernice, had bullied and harassed her.
The BBC apologised to Abbington after the overview upheld “some, however not all” of the allegations in opposition to Pernice. In September 2024 it mentioned: “We wish to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming ahead and participating. We all know this is able to not have been a straightforward factor to do.”
Abbington left the celeb dance present early, citing private causes, earlier than alleging “inappropriate behaviour”. Pernice rejected any declare of threatening or abusive behaviour and welcomed the conclusion of the overview, which upheld some however not the entire complaints.
The out-of-court settlement was a five-figure sum and was paid by BBC Studios, which means the funds didn’t come from the licence charge, PA Media understands.
Additionally it is understood the company made no findings regarding bodily aggression in its 2024 overview, however complaints of verbal bullying and harassment have been upheld.
The BBC declined to touch upon the settlement. Representatives for Abbington have been contacted for remark.
In October 2024, Abbington, who has appeared in BBC drama Sherlock, mentioned she had not dominated out taking authorized motion in opposition to the company.
Following its overview, the BBC launched a collection of measures aimed toward bettering welfare on the present, together with the introduction of a chaperone current “always” throughout coaching room rehearsals.
Pernice was absent from the Strictly skilled lineup in 2024 and went on to affix the Italian equal referred to as Ballando Con Le Stelle, which he gained with actor and singer Bianca Guaccero.
Strictly is getting ready for its subsequent collection, which airs in September, with three new hosts – broadcaster Emma Willis, comic Josh Widdicombe and former skilled dancer Johannes Radebe – changing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The BBC has additionally confirmed 5 new skilled dancers are becoming a member of: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Celeb contestants for the 2026 collection embrace former Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters, former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.