Amanda Abbington has revealed she has been feeling “very emotional” dealing with the menopause and opened up about the “rollercoaster” experience.
The actress, 50, who had several complaints against her Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice confirmed in an explosive BBC investigation, admitted the change had taken its toll on her.
In a new interview, the Mr Selfridge star said her emotions have been “on the surface” after beginning menopause three years ago, during which time she has appeared on shows including Inside No. 9 and Strictly, which she later he retired.
He continued to make a series of accusations against the dancer following her sudden and unexpected departure.
The BBC confirmed “some, but not all” of the complaints, allegedly related to bullying and verbal harassment. There were no findings regarding his allegations of physical assault.
The Sherlock star also opened up about her close relationship with ex-husband Martin Freeman, who she said will attend her wedding next year.
Speaking about the current chapter of her life, Amanda said that while menopause has been a challenge, she likes being in her fifties because she “cares less.”
Amanda Abbington has revealed she is feeling “very emotional” as she deals with the menopause and opens up about the “rollercoaster” experience.
The Sherlock star also opened up about her close relationship with ex-husband Martin Freeman, who she said will attend her wedding next year.
Amanda said she has abandoned her “people-pleasing” attitude and now says no to things she doesn’t want to do more often.
She told Bella magazine: ‘I started about three years ago. It’s complicated: there are ups and downs, but I’ll be happy to come out on the other side. Plus, my daughter is 16, so there are hormones raging everywhere.
‘Forgetfulness and hot flashes and being very emotional. “I’ve always been quite emotional, but I think it’s much more on the surface now.”
Amanda revealed that she is taking HRT to combat the symptoms of menopause.
The former Strictly star also opened up about her upcoming wedding to fiancé Jonathan Goodwin, who she will marry next summer.
Amanda, who revealed that her son Joe will act as best man while her daughter will be her maid of honor, was also asked if her ex Martin will attend.
She said: ‘I can imagine. We are still colleagues, we are good friends. I think it’s important to maintain a good, healthy relationship with your ex if you have children.
Amanda’s interview comes after the BBC cleared her Strictly partner Giovanni of physically assaulting her, but upheld six of 17 complaints.
Although she seemed to get along with Giovanni for the first time, Amanda abruptly left Strictly Come Dancing during week six, citing personal reasons.
Amanda’s interview comes after the BBC cleared her Strictly partner Giovanni of physically assaulting her, but upheld six of 17 complaints.
The BBC carried out an investigation after Amanda quit the 2023 series after just five weeks before making the allegations.
Shortly after his departure, she made a series of accusations against him, accusing him of verbal abuse and sexual misconduct during their rehearsals.
In an interview with the BBC’s Newsnight programme, Amanda alleged that two of the confirmed allegations related to inappropriate sexual conduct.
Amanda claimed the former Strictly professional would ‘outline his boner’ during her Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.
She told the show: “When I got a dance move right, he would outline his erection in his pants and tell me that was what made my dance move happen, because I had done it right.”
Amanda described the experience as a “continuous litany” of verbal abuse and sexual misconduct.
Earlier this month, Amanda revealed her relief that a cancer scare meant she could leave Strictly Come Dancing and train with Giovanni.
Speaking to the Sun, the actress revealed that she had discovered two lumps on her breast the morning of her departure from Strictly.
‘In my last week, on Thursday morning, I was in the shower and found two lumps. I got the all clear after a mammogram a couple months prior.
Amanda returned to the stage in the summer, starring in the play When it Happens to You, while also making several television appearances to talk about her experiences on Strictly.
Amanda Abbington claimed she was exposed to a ‘continuous litany’ of abusive behavior on Strictly
Amanda went to rehearsals, where she said she “just couldn’t concentrate” while working on a cha-cha-cha with Giovanni, who she claims told her she “couldn’t understand it” and was “useless.”
She said her dance partner “refused to even look at me” before telling him she found two lumps and was leaving rehearsals to go to the hospital before leaving the show.
Giovanni, who is now focused on his future, recently announced a dance tour in 2025 with his close friend and fellow dancer, Anton Du Beke.
She left Strictly in June and is now working on the Italian version of the show, which airs under the banner Dancing With The Stars.
Amanda returned to the stage in the summer, starring in the play When it Happens to You, while also making several television appearances to talk about her experiences on Strictly.
The BBC said of its investigation, which concluded at the end of September: “We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous process is carried out. and solid.”
‘We have evaluated the complaints and have accepted some, but not all, of the complaints submitted.
‘We would like to apologize to Amanda Abbington and thank her for coming forward and participating. “We know this would not have been easy to do.”
It added that it had taken “extensive steps” to improve the show’s duty of care towards contestants and crew, including the introduction of chaperones during rehearsals, dedicated welfare staff and workshops on expected behaviour.
