Amanda Abbington withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 spoilers follow.
Amanda Abbington has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing.
It was revealed on Monday (October 23) that the Sherlock star would not be returning to the BBC One competition show after missing last Saturday's (October 21) episode.
The news was confirmed on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, as co-presenter Fleur East read an official statement from the show live on air.
"Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition," a spokesperson said.
"The show wishes her all the best for the future."
Related: Strictly’s Layton Williams shuts down trolls after "hateful comments"
After a highlight package aired, Fleur mentioned that the everyone at the Strictly team were sending Amanda "all of our love".
This past Friday, Strictly: It Takes Two co-presenter Janette Manrara confirmed that Amanda would not be able to compete due to "medical reasons".
"Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and [pro partner] Giovanni [Pernice] will return the following week," Janette explained at the time. "We hope you get well soon my love! Sending you all the best wishes."
Amanda and Giovanni had previously downplayed media reports about an on-set rift by sharing supportive messages for one another on Instagram in late September.
The actress had shared a photo from rehearsals along with a note that she was in "safe and hugely talented hands" while the pro dancer insisted he was "extremely proud" of Amanda's progress.
Related: Strictly's Motsi Mabuse reveals sweet tribute to Amy Dowden in results show appearance
In their first four weeks in the ballroom, Amanda and Giovanni were among the highest-scoring couples throughout the series thus far.
Their final dance in Week 4 saw the pair receiving an impressive 31 out of 40 for their Foxtrot, with Craig Revel Horwood praising their "absolutely gorgeous" form and Anton Du Beke singling out Amanda's "beautiful" head positioning.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Tickets for Strictly's 2024 live arena tour are available now.
Interested in talking about Strictly Come Dancing? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
You Might Also Like
