Amanda Abbington makes stance clear on reports she’s ‘dropped BBC complaints’ amid Strictly feud

Amanda Abbington makes stance clear on reports she’s ‘dropped BBC complaints’ amid Strictly feud

WATCH HERE: Giovanni Pernice is backed by the BBC in his row with Amanda Abbington

Olivia Ann Gantzer

By Olivia Ann Gantzer


Published: 08/03/2024

- 09:12

Updated: 08/03/2024

- 09:27

The actress made headlines last year when she decided to quit Strictly following reports of a feud

Amanda Abbington has reportedly denied “dropping action” against the BBC after it was claimed she was seeking legal action following her Strictly Come Dancing exit last year.

The 52-year-old Sherlock star decided to end her time on the competition early following reports of a “feud” between herself and dance partner Giovanni Pernice.


Abbington was partnered with Pernice, 33, in the 2023 series of the dance programme, but made an early exit five weeks in despite being among the favourites to lift the Glitterball Trophy in the competition.

It came after weeks of speculation that she and Italian dancer Pernice had clashed behind the scenes of the show.

It was then reported earlier this year that the Mr Selfridge star was considering legal action and had requested rehearsal footage of herself and Pernice to be handed over by the BBC.

An update seemingly came on Thursday when MailOnline reported Abbington had decided to “drop” the action, but this has been refuted by the actress' representatives.

Amanda Abbington

Abbington has reportedly considered legal action on the BBC

BBC

The Mail reported a source had confirmed: “The whole thing was baffling but when Amanda contacted the BBC, she wanted some answers. But she hasn’t followed it through and the matter is now closed.”

The source reportedly went on to add: “Her complaint was of course looked at but they were adamant that Giovanni had done nothing wrong. The BBC were ready to fight her.”

However, the Mirror reports that a spokesperson speaking on behalf of Abbington has claimed “there is no truth to this story” and that there was "nothing more to elaborate on".

In January, a source also told the same publication that the BBC had been surprised by the complaints and felt they had been “excessive”.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice

Abbington has refuted claims she had 'dropped the complaints'

BBC

Abbington candidly opened up in January about her PTSD diagnosis, telling The Sun: “I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally.

“I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an ­indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”

The actress continues to be candid with her fans, taking the opportunity on her birthday last month to give an emotional message on Instagram.

After starting the lengthy clip by stating: “I’m 52 – that’s half of my life essentially gone, it’s gone, and it goes by really quickly, so savour every second of it.

Amanda Abbington

Amanda Abbington later opened up about her PTSD diagnosis following her Strictly stint

BBC

She went on to become tearful as she urged fans to appreciate the people in their lives while they’re still around.

When approached by GB News, the BBC declined to comment on the reports.

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