Anton Du Beke has commented on Amanda Abbington’s surprise exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
The judge, 57, was ‘terribly saddened’ that the Sherlock actress, 51, had opted to leave the BBC programme for ‘personal reasons.’
On Wednesday’s This Morning, Anton told Alison Hammond, 48, and Dermot O’Leary, 50, that he thought Amanda ‘might have made it all the way to the final’.
He said: ‘I was terribly upset because she was terrific. She could have made it all the way to the final. I thought she was very strong.’
Great British Bake Off host Alison also said she was ‘so upset’ by the Doc Martin star’s exit, adding: ‘Such a shame. Maybe she could come back another year?’
Amanda’s departure from the ballroom dance competition was initially confirmed Monday evening by a BBC representative after she missing Saturday’s live performance due to “medical reasons.”
A Strictly spokesperson said: ‘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.’
As she finally addressed the news on Tuesday morning, Amanda expressed ‘deep regret’ over leaving the programme in a statement on Instagram.
Citing ‘personal reasons’, she called the experience of working with her fellow contestants ‘an absolute joy’ and praised the ‘incredible’ production team and ‘everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring’.
People were quick to point out that the Mr Selfridge star made no mention of her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, reigniting claims of a ‘feud’ between the two.
In a statement announcing her departure from Strictly, Amanda’s agent dismissed any suggestion of the star’snubbing’ Giovanni.
They said of Amanda’s Instagram post: ‘She was inclusive of everyone involved in the show who helped make her appearance not only happen but a success.
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‘She loved everybody on the programme and did not want to leave anyone out. She is extremely grateful and wishes she could have continued.
‘Health comes first always,’ they added.
Despite Amanda’s departure, the event is expected to continue as usual, with another star due to leave the dance floor this weekend.
Les Dawson, Nikita Kanda, Jody Cundy, and Eddie Kadi have all been eliminated from the dance-off this season.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
