Amanda Abbington is returning to television in the second season of the Apple TV+ series Down Cemetery Road. The 52-year-old actress, widely recognized for her work in Sherlock, joins a high-profile ensemble including Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson.
Joining Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson in a Mick Herron thriller
Amanda Abbington will appear in the second series of Down Cemetery Road, a thriller penned by Mick Herron, the acclaimed author of Slow Horses... According to the report, Abbington joins a cast led by Emma Thompson, who plays private investigator Zoe Boehm, and Ruth Wilson , who portrays Sarah Trafford. The production, which began filming earlier this year, centers on the duo as they investigate a series of murders tied to the illegal trade of antiquities.
The plot for the upcoming season involves a woman falling in front of a train, an event that leads Zoe Boehm and Sarah Trafford into a dangerous encounter with a brutal serial killer. As reported by the source, the series is expected to premiere on Apple TV+ in late 2025, positioning it as a cornerstone of the streaming service's future lineup.
The 20-30 daily death threats following Strictly Come Dancing
This role marks a significant professional comeback for Amanda Abbington after her October 2023 departure from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Her exit was precipitated by accusations of misconduct against her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, whom Abbington accused of using cruel and mean behavior during their rehearsals. While Pernice denied the claims, a BBC investigation concluded in September 2024 that complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, though the corporation found no evidence of physical aggression.
The aftermath of these allegations was severe for the actress. The report notes that Amanda Abbington faced an intense wave of public hostility, receiving between 20 and 30 death threats every day. This period of harassment led her to retreat from the public eye and the television industry for over a year to protect her mental well-being.
A return to craft via (This Is Not A) Happy Room
During her hiatus from mainstream media, Amanda Abbington sought refuge in the theater to reconnect with her acting roots. She performed in a production titled (This Is Not A) Happy Room, staged at an intimate pub theatre in north London. This smaller venue allowed Abbington to work away from the scrutiny of the paparazzi and the volatility of social media.
While performing on stage, Abbington expressed an interest in expanding her creative horizons, including a desire to explore directing. According to the source, she remained uncertain about how the general public perceived her following the Strictly Come Dancing controversy, making this transition back to a major streaming platform a pivotal moment for her career narrative.
The undisclosed role of Amanda Abbington
Despite the announcement of her casting, several details regarding Amanda Abbington's involvement in Down Cemetery Road remain unknown. Specifically, the production has not yet disclosed the nature of her character or whether she will be a recurring antagonist or a supporting ally to Zoe Boehm and Sarah Trafford.
Furthermore, while the report mentions that the Daily Mail contacted her representatives for comment, no official statement from Abbington's team has been made public. This leaves a gap in the narrative regarding how the actress herself views this specific project as a vehicle for her professional rehabilitation.
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