Actress Amanda Abbington was reportedly approached by bosses to take part in the next series of Celebrity Big Brother, yet turned down the offer after her time on Strictly.
Amanda Abbington is reported to have turned down a huge ITV show (Image: BBC)
Amanda Abbington has reportedly declined to participate in another high-profile TV show following her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 50 year old Sherlock actress, who competed in the BBC dance contest last year, withdrew early from the series after five weeks.
She was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and later alleged that she experienced PTSD after her time on the show. Amanda lodged 17 complaints against Giovanni with the BBC, accusing him of “cruel and mean” conduct.
Although he denied the allegations, a BBC inquiry upheld six of Amanda’s complaints, finding that he had violated its anti-bullying and harassment policy. Since leaving Strictly, Amanda has returned to theatre but has not engaged in any television projects.
It is understood that she was invited to appear in the upcoming series of Celebrity Big Brother. However, a source told The Sun: “Amanda decided to discreetly turn down the offer because she felt so traumatised by the last reality TV contest she was on,” adding, “She couldn’t face going through all the trolling that she received when she complained about Giovanni which made her feel like public enemy number one.”
They continued: “Of course, the fee for taking part would have been appreciated but she just couldn’t face it”, reports the Mirror.
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice during Strictly 2023 (Image: PA)
Instead, Amanda plans to watch the show, which returned earlier this year with a dozen celebrities living together for 19 days.
The star-studded line-up of housemates featured the likes of presenter Fern Britton, music mogul Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne of X Factor fame, Coronation Street’s Colson Smith, and even the Princess of Wales’ uncle, Gary Goldsmith. But it was David Potts, famed for his role as head rep on Ibiza Weekender, who clinched the series win.
ITV has announced that the show is set to make a comeback next year. Although the exact date remains under wraps, rumours are swirling that Tommy Fury, previously linked with I’m A Celebrity before his last-minute withdrawal, may join the cast.
Enthusiastic fans have been voicing their hopes for future contestants, with names like Kaleb Cooper, Danny Dyer, Eamonn Holmes, Joe Locke, and Amelia Dimoldenberg making the rounds.
Meanwhile, the BBC has issued an apology to Amanda, who had reported experiencing a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. In response to the findings, Amanda acknowledged the severity of the abuse she endured but expressed no regrets about speaking out.
She described the BBC’s apology as a “vindication” for her complaint. Amanda also disclosed that she has been offered a chance to meet with the BBC’s senior management, an opportunity she is contemplating.
The BBC’s investigation into allegations resulted in Giovanni being dropped from the show. Post-investigation, he mentioned needing a “break”, yet recently hinted at a potential comeback.
In his discussion on the How To Be Famous podcast, Giovanni mused: “As I said before, you never know what is going to be next. Strictly, like every other of those jobs when you have to give your life 100 per cent – they are quite tiring you know? When I said I need a break, I need a break, but never say never?”.
Express Online has reached out to Amanda’s representative for their remarks on the matter.
