Amanda Abbington breaks silence over Strictly Come Dancing exit: 'I did not come to this decision easily'
Amanda Abbington has broken her silence over her sudden exit from Strictly Come Dancing due to 'personal reasons'.
The Sherlock actress, who was partnered with professional dancer and former champion Giovanni Pernice, released a statement on social media explaining the reasons behind her departure from the BBC Latin and ballroom competition.
"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," she began on Instagram.
"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."
Fans took to the comments section to wish Amanda well. One person wrote: "Oh nooo what's happened. Hope you're ok u did so well xxxx." Another said: "So sad… you were amazing! Sending best wishes x," while a third wrote: "Sending you so much love and light."
Don't miss...
Strictly the Truth: James Jordan on how judge scores were 'a mockery’ following Nigel’s dance mishap Strictly the Truth: James Jordan on how judge scores were 'a mockery’ following Nigel’s dance mishap
Amanda was absent from week five of the competition due to medical reasons but Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman explained during Saturday night's live show that, per the official rules, the star would "get a bye and, all being well, would be able to return next week".
However, on Monday, it was confirmed by the BBC that Amanda had decided to withdraw from the competition completely. On Strictly's sister show, It Takes Two, Fleur East made the announcement and read out the official statement from a BBC spokesperson.
It read: "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."
MORE: Strictly's Angela Rippon, 79, shares secret anxiety battle
MORE: Strictly viewers all saying same thing about Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley's pro performance
Soon after the news was confirmed, Amanda's partner Giovanni took to social media to share his response. Posting a photo of the two of them backstage hugging, the Italian dancer wrote: "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."
Giovanni's sweet post sparked a reaction from his followers, who were naturally devastated by Amanda's exit. "Awww no, so gutted. Hope you get well soon Amanda xxx," said one. Another wrote: "I'm so sorry that you can't continue.
Every Strictly Come Dancing winner so far
2004: Natisha Kaplinsky (partner Brendan Cole)
2004: Jill Halfpenny (partner Darren Bennett)
2005: Darren Gough (partner Lilia Kopylova)
2006: Mark Ramprakash (partner Karen Hardy)
2007: Alesha Dixon (partner Matthew Cutler)
2008: Tom Chambers (partner Camilla Dallerup)
2009: Chris Hollins (partner Ola Jordan)
2010: Kara Tointon (partner Artem Chigvintsev)
2011: Harry Judd (partner Aliona Vilani)
2012: Louis Smith (partner Flavia Cacace)
2013: Abbey Clancy (partner Aljaž Škorjanec)
2014: Caroline Flack (partner Pasha Kovalev)
2015: Jay McGuiness (partner Aliona Vilani)
2016: Ore Oduba (partner Joanne Clifton)
2017: Joe McFadden (partner Katya Jones)
2018: Stacey Dooley (partner Kevin Clifton)
2019: Kelvin Fletcher (partner Oti Mabuse)
2020: Bill Bailey (partner Oti Mabuse)
2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis (partner Giovanni Pernice)
2022: Hamza Yassin (partner Jowita Przystał)
"This can't have been an easy decision, health and wellbeing has to come first. Thank you for four beautiful, memorable dances. You will be missed."
During Amanda and Giovanni's time on Strictly, the actress impressed the judges and viewers at home. Week one saw them dance a Viennese Waltz and received a very healthy score of 29. The second week saw them take on the Salsa which scored them eight across the board, making them one of the top scorers of the night.
In week three, Amanda and Giovanni performed a Rumba which wowed head judge Shirley Ballas so much she said Amanda's splits were better than hers, while week four saw them take on the Foxtrot which, again, was met with praise and decent scores from the judges.
