Amanda Abbington shares wedding update as BBC Strictly star makes admission following ‘barrage of abuse’
Amanda Abbington has postponed her wedding to fiancé Jonathan Goodwin by a year amid ongoing litigation and following what she describes as “one of the worst years” of her life.
The 51-year-old Sherlock actress revealed to The Times that the couple had planned to marry in 2025 but have now moved the date to 2026.
The delay comes as Goodwin is involved in legal proceedings following a life-changing accident that left him paralysed during rehearsals for America’s Got Talent: Extreme in 2021.
Abbington has faced intense public scrutiny following her controversial stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
Abbington told The Times: “Last year was one of the worst years of my entire life. I was very close to having a breakdown because of the constant barrage of abuse and hideousness.”
The actress quit the series of BBC Strictly citing “medical reasons” after being partnered with Giovanni Pernice.
She later complained about her treatment during rehearsals, alleging a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” behaviour.
The fallout led to what she described as a “constant barrage of abuse” from the public.
“I don’t know whether I’ve been cancelled or whether people don’t like me any more,” Abbington admitted.
Following a nine-month BBC investigation, some of Abbington’s complaints against Pernice were upheld, though he was cleared of the more serious allegations.
The BBC issued an apology to the actress, while Pernice has consistently denied all accusations.
“I was made out to be the villain,” Abbington told the publication.
She explained her intention had been to say: “Let’s just have a safe space, let’s just take five minutes to make sure we are all happy.”
Despite the backlash, Abbington stands by her decision to speak out.
“I’m glad that I stood up for myself because it’s the first time I’ve ever really done that,” she said.
The fallout from the BBC review prompted significant changes to Strictly Come Dancing’s practices.
The show now includes chaperones during rehearsals between celebrities and professional dancers.
The BBC has also updated its duty of care protocols following the investigation.
Pernice, who “rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour,” welcomed the conclusion of the review.
The Italian dancer was absent from the 2024 Strictly professional line-up.
He instead joined the Italian equivalent, Ballando Con Le Stelle, which he won with actress and singer Bianca Guaccero.
It is understood the BBC investigation found no evidence of physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.