Amanda Abbington has broken her silence on her sudden exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
The news of the Sherlock actress’ departure from the BBC show was announced on its official Instagram page on Monday evening.
Alongside a photo of Amanda and her pro partner Giovanni Pernice, it wrote: “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,” the statement concluded.
The news came just weeks after it was reported that Amanda had threatened to quit the show after rumoured “tension” between her and Giovanni.
Now, the actress has taken to Instagram to address her Strictly exit.
She wrote: “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.”
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Amanda continued: “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.”
“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.”
Giovanni paid tribute to his celebrity partner following her departure from the show on Monday evening, 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 ♥️.”
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The news of Amanda’s shock departure from Strictly after the Sherlock actress reportedly shared a post about mental health after it was revealed she and her professional partner Giovanni would be skipping last week’s live show on medical grounds.
The UK Sun later reported that producers were concerned she would leave the competition as she “wouldn’t be ready” to compete this week.
Former Strictly pro AJ Pritchard told the publication: “Amanda will have been putting her body through a regime she isn’t used to and putting muscles under strain.”
“It’s important that she gets the rest that she needs now.”
Strictly sent “all their love” to Amanda at the beginning of Saturday night’s show.
In a speech introducing the couples, host Claudia Winkleman said: “Now as you may have noticed, Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the line up, due to medical reasons Amanda is unable to perform this week.”
Her co-host Tess Daly added: “As per the rules of the competition she has been given a bye and all being well will return to the ballroom next weekend.”
Claudia gushed: “Amanda, we are all sending you so much love,” before Tess said: “So much love to you.”
