Prior to the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing, many celebrities considered appearing on the BBC flagship show the opportunity of a lifetime. However, for actress Amanda Abbington, the reality was very different.
After pulling out of the series for ‘medical reasons’ in January 2024, Amanda, 53, requested rehearsal room footage of her training sessions with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and filed a formal complaint about his conduct.
Strictly was soon engulfed in scandal as more celebs came forward to share their own difficult experiences on the show.
Despite shockingly facing death threats for her actions, Amanda – who shares son Joe, 18, and daughter Grace, 16, with her ex-husband actor Martin Freeman – is looking to the future as she sits down and chats weddings and menopause with Closer.
Are you surprised by the amount of people who have also come out and talked about their Strictly experiences?
No, I’m glad. I think it’s important to speak about things that affect you. You have to stand up and say if something upsets you or is bothering you. I think we live in a culture where if we do that, we’re deemed troublemakers, and that’s not the case, especially if you’re highlighting something that has affected you personally, emotionally and mentally. Just address it and not make it the elephant in the room.
Do you feel like you’ve helped pave the way for that?
I hope so. I’ve had a lot of women come up to me and say thank you for your courage and for standing up for people who don’t have a voice.
Will you ever dance again?
Oh, I love dancing, my experience hasn’t stopped me. I love it. I still dance in my kitchen. It was just a shame I couldn’t have gone further on in the competition.
Will you do any more reality TV?
I don’t think so. I did a play recently, and being in theatre and acting is my first love. I’d like to try directing now, so that’s something that I’m looking into – and writing – but me and reality TV don’t really get on with each other!
Would you ever consider doing a soap?
Oh yes! I love EastEnders. And they film just down the road from me.
Would that be your dream role?
I don’t know about my ‘dream role’, but I’d certainly love to do it. Anything that piques my interest, or is an interesting character is always something that I’d love to do. That is the love and beauty of being an actor – that you can pick your roles and be different characters.
You’ve opened up about the hate mail that you received after speaking out about your Strictly experience. Has that stopped?
No. We had death threats and bomb threats at the theatre.
Directed at you?
Yes, specifically to me, because of Strictly. They said that I would die on stage; get stabbed on stage if I carried on.
Did you continue with the play?
Yes, every night I went out – they’re not going to stop me doing my job.
Were you scared getting up there?
Yes, it’s terrifying, but I just think I’m not going to let the bullies win. You can’t let the bullies win, no matter what.
You’re 53 now. How do feel about getting older?
I’m going through the menopause, so that’s a roller coaster. It’s OK. I like my fifties. You care less in your fifties. I’ve always been a people pleaser and never said, ‘No’, and now I say, ‘No’, and it’s much better. I’d advise people to say ‘No’ more often.
When did you start going through the menopause?
I started about three years ago. It’s a tricky one – there are peaks and troughs, but I will be glad to get out the other side. Also, my daughter is 16 so there are hormones raging everywhere!
What have you noticed most about the menopause?
The forgetfulness and hot flushes, and I’m very emotional. I’ve always been emotional, but it’s much more on the surface now. I’m on HRT though, and it’s great.
Any plans to finally tie the knot with your fiancé of three years, Jonathan Goodwin?
Next year, yes! We’re going to go for the summer at my friend’s farm in the UK, so it will be lovely.
Will your children play a role in your big day?
Yes, I think my son Joe is going to be best man, and my daughter Grace will be bridesmaid. We’re all very excited.
Will Martin attend your wedding?
I would imagine so. We’re still mates, we’re still good friends. It’s important to maintain a good, healthy relationship with your ex if you have children, I think.
