Overview
- Tabloid outlets report that BBC Studios paid a five‑figure out‑of‑court settlement and contributed to Amanda Abbington's legal fees, a payment that has not been independently confirmed by the BBC or Abbington's representatives.
- Abbington made a formal complaint after leaving Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, accusing her professional partner Giovanni Pernice of verbal abuse that she said contributed to her decision to quit.
- A BBC investigation cleared Pernice of the most serious allegations but found examples of belittling language, overly negative feedback and profanity, and recorded two instances of sexual banter that the report said were exchanged as jokes.
- Abbington has said the experience affected her health and led to a post‑traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, and reports say the settlement was intended to avoid protracted litigation and let her close the matter.
- The case has renewed focus on broadcaster duty of care and how high‑profile entertainment shows handle complaints, with the BBC saying it has strengthened protocols after its review.