Amanda Abbington, 50, reveals she’s been ‘very emotional’ during the ‘rollercoaster’ menopause and opens up on relationship with ex Martin Freeman who is attending her wedding

Amanda Abbington has revealed she has felt ‘very emotional’ while dealing with the menopause as she opened up about the ‘rollercoaster’ experience.

The actress, 50, who had a number of complaints against Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice upheld in a bombshell BBC investigation, admitted that the change had taken a toll on her.

In a new interview, the Mr Selfridge star said her emotions have been ‘at the surface’ after starting the menopause three years ago – during which time she has appeared on shows such as Inside No. 9 as well as Strictly, from which she later withdrew.

She went on to make a number of allegations against the dancer after her sudden and unexpected departure.

The BBC upheld ‘some, but not all’ of the complaints, reported to relate to verbal bullying and harassment. There were no findings on her allegations of physical aggression.

The Sherlock star also opened up on her close relationship with her ex-husband Martin Freeman, who she said will be attending her wedding next year.

Speaking about the current chapter in her life, Amanda said that while the menopause has been challenging she likes her fifties because she ‘cares less’.

Amanda Abbington has revealed she is feeling ‘very emotional’ while dealing with the menopause as she opens up about the ‘rollercoaster’ experience

The Sherlock star also opened up on her close relationship with her ex-husband Martin Freeman, who she said will be attending her wedding next year

Amanda’s interview comes after her Strictly partner Giovanni was cleared of physical aggression towards her by the BBC, but upheld six of 17 complaints

Amanda said she has ditched her ‘people pleaser’ 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 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.

‘The forgetfulness and the hot flushes and being very emotional. I’ve always been quite emotional, but I think it’s much more at the surface now.’

Amanda revealed she is medicating herself with HRT to combat the symptoms of the menopause.

The former Strictly star also discussed her upcoming wedding to her fiance Jonathan Goodwin, who she will tie the knot with next summer.

Amanda, who revealed her son Joe will act as Best Man while her daughter is set to be her bridesmaid, was also quizzed on if her ex Martin will attend.

She said: ‘I would imagine so. We’re still mates, we’re good friends. It’s important to maintain a good, healthy relationship with your ex if you have children, I think.’

Amanda’s interview comes after her Strictly partner Giovanni was cleared of physical aggression towards her by the BBC, but upheld six of 17 complaints.

Despite appearing to first hit it off with Giovanni, Amanda abruptly left Strictly Come Dancing during week six, citing personal reasons.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly on October 14 last year – a week before she withdrew from the show

The BBC conducted a probe after Amanda quit the 2023 series after just five weeks before making the allegations

Would you maintain a relationship with your ex-partner?

Yes, it can be healthy and beneficial.
It depends on the circumstances.
No, it should be avoided.

Soon after her departure, she made a series of allegations against him, accusing him of verbal abuse and inappropriate sexual conduct during their rehearsals.

In an interview with the BBC’s Newsnight programme, Amanda alleged that two of the upheld complaints related to inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature.

Amanda claimed the former Strictly pro would ‘outline his erection’ during their Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.

She told the programme: ‘When I got a dance step right, he would outline his erection in his trousers and tell me that’s what my dance move had made happen, because I’d got it right.’

Amanda described the experience as an ‘ongoing litany’ of verbal abuse and sexual misconduct.

Earlier this month, Amanda revealed her relief that a cancer scare meant she could quit Strictly Come Dancing – and training with Giovanni.

Speaking to the Sun, the actress revealed that she had discovered two lumps in her breast on the morning of her Strictly exit.

‘By my final week, on the Thursday morning, I was in the shower and I found two lumps. I’d got the all-clear after a mammogram a couple of months before.’

Amanda returned to the stage in the summer, starring in the play When it Happens to You, while also making several TV appearances to discuss her experiences on Strictly

Amanda Abbington claimed she was exposed to an ‘ongoing litany’ of abusive behaviour on Strictly

Amanda went in for rehearsals, where she said she ‘just couldn’t concentrate’ as she worked on a cha-cha-cha with Giovanni, who she claims told her she ‘couldn’t get it’ and was ‘useless’.

She said her dance partner ‘refused to even look at me’ before she told him she found two lumps and would leave rehearsals to go to the hospital before quitting the show.

Giovanni, who is now focused on his future, recently announced a 2025 dance tour with his close friend and fellow dancer, Anton Du Beke.

He quit Strictly in June and is now working on the Italian version of the show, which airs under the Dancing With The Stars banner. Reports suggest he may be returning to British screens on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted.

Amanda returned to the stage in the summer, starring in the play When it Happens to You, while also making several TV appearances to discuss 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 and robust process was undertaken.

‘We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.

‘We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.’

It added that it had taken ‘extensive steps’ to enhance 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.