Strictly's Amanda Abbington's rarely-seen children with ex-partner Martin Freeman - photos | HELLO! (2024)

Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington is back in the news after speaking out about the "toxic environment" on the BBC dance competition and her fraught partnership with axed ballroom pro Giovanni Pernice.

Aside from her ongoing drama, the Sherlock actress leads a quiet life raising the children Joe and Grace, whom she co-parents with her former co-star and ex-partner, Martin Freeman.

The TV stars, who never married, met in 2000 before calling quits on their long-term relationship in 2016.

Given that both their parents have successful careers in television, it only makes sense that Amanda and Martin's children would want to follow in their talented footsteps.

Joe, 18, kickstarted a career in acting earlier this year after being announced as part of a specially-adapted teen production of Everybody's Talking about Jamie in Tunbridge Wells.

Budding star Joe was also cheering on Amanda from the sidelines as she took on the Viennese Waltz with dance partner Giovanni Pernice on the opening show of Strictly last Saturday.

Grace, 16, appears to keep largely out of the spotlight, though she has joined her parents on the red carpet on several occasions.

Keep scrolling to see all the photographs of Amanda and Martin's children through the years…

Amanda Abbington and Martin Freeman's children

Grace and Joe made a rare appearance beside their mother at the UK premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One in June this summer.

Grace looked beautiful in an embellished crop top and satin skirt, while Joe looked dapper in a navy suit.

Martin and his girlfriend Rachel Mariam were joined by his children Joe and Grace at the premiere of Black Panda: Wakanda Forever in 2022.

Despite their separation, Amanda spoke out about co-parenting her children with her ex-partner, adding that they still "love each other" and remain friends.

The Responder actor told Radio Times when asked about how he feels about his kids flying the nest: "Me and their mum [Amanda] don't live together so there are times where they're inevitably going to not be with you, or when they say, 'Maybe not this weekend''.

He added: "It's hard not to feel hurt when they start doing things that don't involve you, even though you understand it and welcome it because it's totally natural".

Amanda Abbington's Strictly controversy

Amanda has spoken out about the "unacceptable behaviour" behind the scenes on the BBC ballroom show in 2023 and her fraught partnership with Giovanni Pernice.

Following Amanda's allegations, the BBC opened an investigation into Giovanni's behaviour and culled the dancer from this year's line up.

The Italian-born dancer denies the accusations. In a statement, he said: "To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.

"Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive… No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

"I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!"

Sitting down for a tell-all Channel 4 interview, the star claimed she had experienced "upsetting" and "aggressive" behaviour while training for the competition.

READ:Strictly's Amanda Abbington: five biggest bombshells from explosive Channel 4 interview

"Yes, it's bullying and it's aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you're a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?"

When journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy enquired whether there was a "sexual nature" to the harassment, a visibly emotional Amanda responded: "Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things."

Meanwhile, professional dancer Graziano di Prima was also booted from the line-up after it emerged that he had "kicked" partner Zara McDermott when she competed in last year's series. The star has since apologised and said he "deeply regrets" the incident.