Amanda Abbington has spoken out about her decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing, citing ‘personal reasons’.
The 49-year-old Sherlock star was paired with Giovanni Pernice, however he was unable to perform on Saturday’s live programme due to “medical reasons.”
It was confirmed on Monday she had stepped down from the show, with a Strictly spokesperson saying: ‘Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.’
Addressing the news on Tuesday morning, Amanda wrote on Instagram: ‘It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly.
‘I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
‘It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
‘I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.’
Amanda concluded: ‘I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx’
Her Strictly co-stars rushed to the comments to share their support, with Krishnan Guru-Murthy writing: ‘Sending lots of love – we miss you xxx.’
Krishnan’s dance partner Lauren Oakley added: ‘We will miss you. Lots and lots of love.’
Nancy Xu wrote ‘Sending you all the love,’ while Jowita Pryzstal commented: ‘Take care darling we will miss you! Sending lotsof love.’
Eddie Kadi, the most recent elimination from the competition, and his partner Karen Hauer both responded with a succession of hearts to the post.
Following the shock news, Giovanni, who lifted the glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, expressed his sadness over being unable to continue on the show, writing: ‘Amanda .. I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.’
Shortly after pulling out of the live show, Amanda urged her followers to ‘be kind’, resharing a post that is reported to have said: ‘People don’t fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind’.
This comes after Amanda denied reports that she was leaving the programme because to a disagreement with her partner Giovanni.
While a source said the duo did not get along, her reps denied the claims, stating they were absolutely false.
She then went on an expletive-laden social media rage only hours before one of the live events.
Beginning by wishing people a ‘happy Saturday,’ Amanda first said she was at work then corrected herself by saying she was at Strictly HQ, which was ‘just fun isn’t it, it’s fun shenanigans.’
‘I’m wearing my jacket that says “Who cares what other people think?”‘ she went on, making a face at the camera.
Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
