STRICTLY Come Dancing has confirmed Amanda Abbington has quit the competition, saying she is “unable to continue”.
It Takes Two host Fleur East addressed the news on the BBC spin-off show on Monday night, telling viewers: “We’ve received the news that Amanda is not returning to Strictly.”
Reading out the official statement, Fleur said: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly and has decided to withdraw from the competition.
“The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
A short clip was then played of Amanda’s best bits, as Fleur added: “Amanda, we are sending you all of our love.”
Sherlock actress Amanda, 49, was missing from this weekend’s shows due to undisclosed medical reasons.
She had been expected to make a return on Saturday night for the BBC show’s Halloween special.
However, the 49-year-old has now left the competition – leaving viewers devastated.
The reason behind Amanda’s sudden departure was expected to be revealed on Strictly’s spin-off show, but viewers are still in the dark about the real reason.
Amanda is yet to comment about leaving the show.
However, pals say the Sherlock actress is being supported by her partner Giovanni Pernice.
A source told The Sun: “It was a gruelling few weeks for Amanda which took its toll physically and mentally.
“Amanda and Gio had fantastic chemistry on-screen and there were high hopes they could go all the way.
“Everyone is incredibly sad but just wish Amanda all the best.”
Amanda shared a quote on her Instagram stories over the weekend from the late actor and comedian Robin Williams before swiftly deleting it.
The post read: “People don’t fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind.”
The Sun reported last month how Amanda and her Italian dance partner Giovanni, 33, had clashed — with the actress threatening to quit over the dance pro’s “militant” attitude to training.
Following reports of a rift, Giovanni said: “It’s a difficult process, especially for people who have never done Strictly before.”
