Amanda Abbington breaks silence, revealing ‘great regret’ over quitting Strictly Come Dancing
24 October 2023, 13:50 | Updated: 25 October 2023, 10:09
Amanda Abbington has taken to Instagram share a statement about why she has quit Strictly Come Dancing just five weeks into the competition.
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Sharing an image of a pair of dancing shoes, she posted a statement this morning revealing that the decision to quit the show following a series of "setbacks" was not easy.
The Sherlock actress, 49, added that she felt she had to quit due to "personal reasons" and thanked Strictly’s production team.
Amanda 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.
"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"
The news officially broke on Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off show: It Takes Two, on Sunday 23 October.
They released a statement which 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."
Giovanni Pernice came to Instagram yesterday evening and posted a photo of him and Amanda during Strictly’s 'Movie Week'.
In the caption he 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."
In both posts, many of the comments supported the decision and users expressed their sadness at Amanda’s departure.
Strictly stars also came to the comments to show their support.
Fellow contestant Krishnan Guru-Murthy posted: "Sending lots of love - we miss you xxx."
Gorka Márquez, one of the professionals wrote: "We will miss you."
Before her official departure, Amanda had missed last week’s show due to "medical reasons".
She re-shared an Instagram post, which read "People don't fake depression... They fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind", but she had taken the story down.
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Before her statement, there had been rumours circulating on why the actress quit, including the "gruelling schedule", according to an insider source.
The pair had to deny rumours of a feud due to Giovanni’s "strict and aggressive style and attitude" during training sessions.
They brushed this off on It Takes Two, with Amanda confirming she and Giovanni were having "the best time".
