Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@giovannipernice/BBC
Topics: BBC, Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, TV And Film, Mental Health, Health
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: BBC, Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, TV And Film, Mental Health, Health
Viewers are gutted to find out that Strictly Come Dancing fan-favourite, Amanda Abbington, has left the show.
The programme confirmed Amanda's departure yesterday (23 October) in an Instagram 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."
On the Strictly: It Takes Two programme, which aired on Monday evening, presenter Fleur East also read out the same official message on the matter.
Amanda's dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, has now also shared a statement after she left the show.
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He took to Instagram yesterday (23 October) to share a statement to his former dance partner.
He shared a photo of himself hugging the 51-year-old Sherlock star in a warm embrace wearing adorable Christmas jumpers and festive pyjamas along with the caption: "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."
The pro dancer then ended the caption with a black heart emoji and tagged Amanda, as well as the official BBC Strictly Instagram account.
After the news of her withdrawal from the competition was announced on Strictly: It Takes Two, a compilation was then played of her best moments on the show.
"Amanda, we are sending you all of our love," Fleur said at the end of the footage.
The Sherlock star's departure comes after she missed her last performance last Saturday (21 October) reportedly due to 'medical reasons'.
Her absence was addressed on the show with presenter Claudia Winkleman telling viewers: "Now as you may have noticed, Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the lineup. Due to medical reasons Amanda is unable to perform this week."
And fellow presenter, Tess Daly, also acknowledged the actor's absence over the weekend, saying: "As per the rules of the competition she has been given a bye and all being well will return to the ballroom next weekend."
The actor's absence from last weekend’s live show was announced just one day before she was set to appear on the dance floor alongside Giovanni.
A spokesperson for the programme said at the time: "Due to medical reasons, Amanda Abbington 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 then later took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo of Robin Williams that also included a quote which read: "People don’t fake depression … they fake being okay.
"Remember that. Be kind."
And just last week, Amanda also shared with her 122k Instagram followers a message about mental health.
In a video about World Mental Health Day, Amanda said: "Reach out for yourself or for those who are struggling. Love and kindness, empathy and compassion and the idea that a simple phone call could be life-saving."
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday (28 October) at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone