Gary Lineker says no to ITV's Celebrity Big Brother offer

In the United Kingdom, actress Amanda Abbington has opted to decline a major television opportunity, reportedly due to her distress following her participation in the BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. Abbington, who is 50 years old, took part in the show last year but exited the competition early. During her time on the show, she was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and later revealed that she experienced PTSD as a result of her experience. Abbington filed 17 complaints against Pernice, accusing him of abusive behavior, claims he denied, although an internal BBC investigation concluded that he had breached its anti-bullying and harassment policy on several occasions. After leaving the show, Abbington has returned to live theatre performances but has refrained from joining any television projects. Sources indicate that she recently received an offer to participate in another high-profile reality TV series, yet feeling unprepared for the spotlight again, she discreetly turned down the opportunity. The actress's reluctance to engage with reality television stems largely from her fears of facing public scrutiny and trolling if she were to voice similar grievances in this new context, as she did previously. The extent of the backlash she received during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing left her feeling vulnerable and unwelcome in the public eye. In light of her experiences, Abbington aims to focus on her recovery and well-being, committing to a gradual approach to re-entering the entertainment sphere. She is instead choosing to observe reality television from the sidelines as a viewer rather than as a contestant. The celebrity cast of the reality show she declined has included notable figures like Fern Britton and Sharon Osbourne, among others. As celebrity culture and reality television continue to dominate, Abbington's choice reflects a growing awareness regarding the mental health repercussions that such intense public engagement can entail, particularly when negative feedback from audiences is involved. The backlash faced by contestants in reality shows is a significant issue, and Abbington's situation sheds light on the need for more protective measures and healthier environments for participants. The broader entertainment industry may need to reassess its impact on performers' mental health and consider creating more supportive frameworks for those who step into the limelight.