Actress Amanda Abbington has reportedly turned down a huge TV opportunity following her time on Strictly Come Dancing as she ‘couldn’t face trolling again’
Amanda Abbington “couldn’t face” appearing on another huge TV show following her time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress, 50, took part in the BBC dance competition last year, yet pulled out of the series early. She was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and later claimed she suffered PTSD following her stint on the show. Amanda made 17 complaints to the BBC about Giovanni and accused him of “cruel and mean” behaviour.
He refuted the claims but a BBC investigation found he had breached its anti-bullying and harassment policy in six of Amanda’s complaints. Since her time on Strictly, Amanda has returned to the stage yet hasn’t taken part in any TV projects. She was reportedly approached by bosses to take part in the next series of Celebrity Big Brother.
However, Amanda didn’t feel ready to make a return to the spotlight in such a way. “Amanda decided to discreetly turn down the offer because she felt so traumatised by the last reality TV contest she was on,” a source told the Sun. “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.
Amanda appeared on Strictly last year (
Image:
PA)
She has reportedly turned down Celebrity Big Brother (
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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“Of course, the fee for taking part would have been appreciated but she just couldn’t face it.” They added that she will be tuning in to watch the show instead of being part of it. Celebrity Big Brother returned to our screens earlier this year, with a dozen famous faces forced to live together for a total of 19 days.
The celebrity housemates included presenter Fern Britton, music manager Louis Walsh and former X Factor co-star Sharon Osbourne, Coronation Street actor Colson Smith and even Princess of Wales ‘ uncle Gary Goldsmith. However, it was David Potts, who first appeared on TV screens as head rep on Ibiza Weekender who won the series.
ITV have recently confirmed the show will be back on screens next year. While no date has confirmed for the show’s return, one name tipped to feature is Tommy Fury, who was linked with an appearance on I’m A Celebrity but dropped out last minute. Fans have also shared their wishes for who they want to see take up residence in the house including Kaleb Cooper, Danny Dyer, Eamonn Holmes, Joe Locke and Amelia Dimoldenberg.
The BBC went on to apologise to Amanda, who claimed she was subjected to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. Responding to the findings at the time, Amanda admitted that despite the vile abuse she had received, she had “never regretted coming forward” and that the apology was a “vindication” of her complaint. She went on to reveal she had been invited to meet with senior management at the BBC, which is something she is considering.
Giovanni was axed from the show as the allegations were looked into by BBC. He later said he needed a “break” following the BBC investigation upholding complaints, yet earlier this month spoke of a potential return. The dancer appeared on the How To Be Famous podcast and said: “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?”
The Mirror has contacted Amanda’s representative for comment.
