Amanda Abbington has pulled out of this weekend's 'Strictly Come Dancing' for medical reasons.
Amanda Abbington pulls out of Strictly for medical reasons
The 'Sherlock' actress will not perform on Saturday's (21.10.23) show alongside partner Giovanni Pernice but hopes to return next week.
Speaking on 'It Takes Two', former 'Strictly' dancer Janette Manrara said: "We have some breaking news, unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' this weekend.
"'Strictly Come Dancing' protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week. Amanda, we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes."
A Strictly spokesperson confirmed 49-year-old Amanda's absence, saying: "Due to medical reasons Amanda Abbington will not be taking part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' this weekend."
Meanwhile, last month, Amanda and Giovanni downplayed reports of a rift between them.
They both took to Instagram separately to shower each other with praise after it was reported that they had not been getting on.
Amanda posted a picture of herself smiling and wrote: "The smile you give your pro partner at the end of the camera rehearsal when you know you are in safe and hugely talented hands...
"@giovannipernice ya legend. See you all tomorrow."
Giovanni shared her story and wrote: "I usually don't say these things early (as probably everybody know) but I'm extremely proud of you and I can't wait for people to watch what we have created."
The posts came after it was claimed that Amanda was finding Giovanni to be a tough trainer.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Giovanni is a hard taskmaster and takes the competition very, very seriously.
"Sometimes his manner is incredibly brusque and this can upset his partners.
"Amanda was really looking forward to dancing with him, but has found his aggressive training style and attitude pretty difficult to handle."
A source close to Giovanni, 33, added: "Amanda has had a lot going on and Giovanni found it frustrating that she was struggling to fully commit to rehearsals.
“He is a perfectionist and when a celeb partner is 100 per cent committed, he knows he can get the best out of them and the partnership will fly — just look at his and Rose [Ayling-Ellis] experience on the show."
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