Full Breakdown
Amanda Abbington settles with BBC over Strictly Come Dancing bullying claims
8/17/2026, 10:28:35 PM
Core Event: Settlement and review findings
Amanda Abbington reached an out-of-court settlement with the BBC after alleging bullying by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice during her 2023 stint on *Strictly Come Dancing*. The settlement was a five-figure sum paid by BBC Studios, meaning the licence fee was not used. A BBC-commissioned review completed in 2024 upheld some complaints of verbal bullying and harassment but found no evidence of physical aggression or threatening behaviour.
Background & Context
Abbington left the programme early in 2023, citing personal reasons, and later described the environment as “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying.” She said she received “hundreds” of death threats on social media after making the allegations. In response, the BBC launched an investigation that expanded to include complaints from other celebrities about their experiences on the show. The review, published in September 2024, concluded that while some verbal bullying claims were substantiated, the more serious accusations of physical aggression were not.
Key Figures
- Amanda Abbington – actress known for *Sherlock* and 2023 *Strictly* contestant.
- Giovanni Pernice – professional dancer on *Strictly* who denied any abusive conduct.
- Tim Davie – former BBC director-general who expressed regret over the complaints.
- BBC Studios – entity that funded the settlement and implemented new welfare measures.
Data & Statistics
- Settlement amount: a five-figure sum (exact figure undisclosed).
- Review outcome: verbal bullying and harassment complaints upheld; no findings of physical aggression.
- Funding: settlement paid by BBC Studios, not drawn from the public licence fee.
Official Statements & Responses
The BBC issued a public apology to Abbington, thanking her for coming forward and acknowledging the difficulty of doing so. It emphasized that bullying allegations are taken seriously and that the review process was “rigorous and robust.” The corporation announced new duty-of-care steps, including a chaperone present at all times during training-room rehearsals. Former director-general Tim Davie said he was “very sorry” and “disappointed” to learn of the complaints. Giovanni Pernice rejected any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour and welcomed the review’s conclusion that only some complaints were upheld.
Criticism & Opposition
Giovanni Pernice characterised Abbington’s allegations as “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean,” maintaining that he never engaged in threatening or abusive conduct. The review’s lack of findings on physical aggression aligns with his denial.
Impact and Changes
Following the review, the BBC introduced several welfare enhancements for *Strictly*, notably the continuous presence of a chaperone during rehearsals. The show is also undergoing a major presenter overhaul: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will replace long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Five new professional dancers—Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita—have been added to the lineup.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All consulted sources concur on the settlement amount range, the review’s partial validation of verbal bullying claims, and the absence of findings on physical aggression. No substantive contradictions were identified.
What’s Next
*Strictly Come Dancing* is scheduled to return in September with its new hosting trio and expanded professional dancer roster, operating under the updated welfare protocols introduced after the 2024 review.
