Amanda Abbington, 51, launches fierce defence of son, 19, amid ‘nepotism’ row as he lands huge acting role
Amanda Abbington has firmly defended her son Joe against “nepo baby” claims as the 19-year-old lands a lead role in a major television adaptation.
The 51-year-old actress and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant insisted her son with ex-partner Martin Freeman, 53, secured his breakthrough role entirely on his own merit.
Joe Freeman is set to star in the upcoming MGM+ series The Institute, based on a Stephen King novel.
Despite having two well-known actors as parents, Amanda maintains Joe received no special treatment in securing the high-profile role.
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, Abbington said: “He’s just done a massive Stephen King show called The Institute, which comes out next year.
“He spent four months in Canada playing the lead in that. He got it all on his own, without anyone’s help – there was no nepotism there, which was good. None at all,” she explained.
Abbington and Freeman met on the set of the film Men Only in 2000 and later starred together in Sherlock – split 16 years later in 2016.
The couple share two children – Joe, 19, and daughter Grace, 16.
Despite Abbington’s insistence that Joe isn’t benefiting from nepotism, his agent’s website appears to highlight his famous lineage.
According to reports, his profile on Scott Cole Management’s website states: “Growing up with well-known acting parents, Martin Freeman and Amanda Abbington, Joe has spent much of his life backstage or on a studio set.”
It continues: “He has inherited the natural and engaging talents of both his parents and is well versed in dealing with the publicity that has followed his family.”
Elsewhere, Abbington engaged to former daredevil Jonathan Goodwin, who was left permanently paralysed following a stunt accident.
They were friends for years before dating, with their relationship only two months old when Goodwin’s accident occurred.
The engagement comes as Abbington is still reflecting “the hardest year of her entire life” following the Strictly Come Dancing abuse saga involving former pro Giovanni Pernice – based on their time partnered during the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Italian dancer denied all allegations made against him, though the BBC’s investigation upheld claims of verbal bullying and harassment, with the broadcaster subsequently apologising to Abbington following the investigation.
Freeman has also since found love with French actress Rachel Benaissa, 31, who has appeared in BBC’s Normal People.
Last year, Grace shared a TikTok video giving fans a glimpse into family life, showing Martin, Joe and Rachel lip-syncing to a song from Martin’s film Nativity.