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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Amanda Abbington denies 'dropping' BBC complaint amid Strictly Come Dancing fallout

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

Despite being among the favorites to win, the Sherlock star, 52, decided to leave the competition after five weeks amid reports of a "feud" with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, behind the scenes.

Earlier this year, reports emerged that Abbington was considering legal action and had requested rehearsal footage from the BBC.

However, recent reports suggesting the British actress had abandoned her legal action were refuted by her representatives.

A source told MailOnline: “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.

Her complaint was of course looked at but they were adamant that Giovanni had done nothing wrong. The BBC were ready to fight her.”

Abbington was partner with Giovanni Pernice (BBC)

However, Abbington’s spokesperson refuted the claims, telling The Mirror, “there is no truth to this story” and that there was "nothing more to elaborate on".

Also in January, an insider informed the same publication that the BBC was taken aback by the complaints, perceiving them as "excessive."

The Standard has contacted Amanda Abbington’s rep for comment. BBC had no comment when approached by The Standard.

At the beginning of the year, Abbington revealed she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her Strictly stint.

She told The Sun in January: “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.”

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