Amanda Abbington’s fiancé sent a heartfelt statement about being too hard on ourselves only hours before it was revealed she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
A Strictly spokesperson said on Monday evening: ‘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.’
Following the shock news, Amanda’s dance partner Giovanni Pernice admitted sadness over being unable to continue with the Sherlock actress, 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.’
While Amanda, 49, has yet to remark on the shocking news on social media, her partner Jonathan Goodwin tweeted a statement about criticism only hours ago.
Jonathan, a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2019 for his escapology and daredevil stunts and semi-finalist of America’s Got Talent in 2020, wrote: ‘We can be so hard on ourselves… be our own worst critics… but before you judge yourself…’
This comes after news Jonathan is sueing AGT: Extreme producers after a horror accident left him paralysed when rehearsing for a stunt which would see him hang upside down 30 feet in the air between two suspended cars and escape from a straitjacket.
The vehicles, however, were freed too soon, and he was crushed between them as they took fire.
After his life-altering injuries, the former escapologist resigned as a stunt performer and now utilises his platform to impart advise and ‘positive thinking,’ while denying any responsibility for the nearly deadly tragedy.
Ahead of formally exiting the series, Amanda opted out of Saturday’s live broadcasts for ‘medical reasons’ and subsequently encouraged her supporters to ‘be kind’.
Resharing a post that included a photo and quote from late actor Robin Williams, it read, as reported by The Mirror: ‘People don’t fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind’.
Amanda and Jonathan married in 2021, nine months after she announced her breakup from actor Jonjo O’Neill after four years together.
The actress was formerly married to Martin Freeman from The Hobbit for 16 years, and they had two children, Joe, 15, and Grace, 12.
Martin, 50, has gone on to date French actress Rachel Mariam since their breakup was announced in 2016.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
