Amanda Abbington has quit ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as her time on the show was reportedly “plagued by difficulties”.
Amanda Abbington has quit ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as her time on the show was reportedly ‘plagued by difficulties’
The ‘Sherlock’ actress, 49, was absent from this weekend’s BBC One dance shows due to undisclosed medical reasons – and posted on X about mental health after pulling out of Saturday’s (21.10.23) episode – but she had been expected to make a return this Saturday for the ‘Strictly’ Halloween special.
However, it was confirmed on ‘Strictly’ spin-off show ‘It Takes Two’ on Monday (23.10.23) she was exiting the show.
A ‘Strictly’ spokesperson later issued a brief statement that 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.”
On Saturday night, ‘Strictly’ co-host Claudia Winkleman, 51, told viewers about the absence of Amanda and her professional dancer partner Giovanni Pernice: “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.”
Claudia’s fellow presenter Tess Daly, 54, 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.”
It was reported last month Amanda and her Italian dance pro partner Giovanni, 33, had clashed, with the actress apparently threatening to quit over the dance pro’s “militant” attitude to training, according to The Sun.
Following reports of a rift, Giovanni said: “It’s a difficult process, especially for people who have never done ‘Strictly’ before.”
On Saturday, Amanda shared a quote on her Instagram stories from the late actor and comedian Robin Williams – who took his life aged 63 in 2014 – before quickly deleting it.
The post said: “People don't fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind.”
Fans are filling social media with messages to say they are “devastated” at Amanda’s exit.
On Monday’s ‘It Takes Two’ show on the BBC, a montage of the actress’ best ‘Strictly’ moments were shown, before host Fleur East, 35, said: “Amanda we are sending you all of our love.”
A Strictly insider told Mail Online after news broke Amanda had quit: “This has been something that Amanda has been unfortunately having to consider making since late last week.
“It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her ‘Strictly’ journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn’t think there was any other option.
“As hard as it has been, there was a chance they could have won.”
Hours before the news broke Amanda was leaving ‘Strictly’, her escapologist partner Jonathan Goodwin, 43, who has appeared on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, shared a cryptic post to Instagram about mental health.
He said alongside a picture of himself posing in the mirror: “We can be so hard on ourselves...be our own worst critics... But before you judge yourself... make sure your mirror is clean.”
Tagged in Claudia Winkleman Tess Daly Amanda Abbington