Amanda Abbington 'quits Strictly Come Dancing'

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star, Amanda Abbington, has reportedly 'quit' the show.

The reports come after the after 51-year-old Sherlock star missed her last performance on Saturday (21 October) 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."

BBC

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 news was announced the day before she and professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice, were due to take to the dance floor and wow audiences yet again together.

Speaking on the BBC show's sister series, Strictly: It Takes Two, host Janette Manrara revealed: "We have some breaking news, unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda 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 we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes!"

A representative for Strictly Come Dancing told the Mirror in a statement: "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."

BBC

Since then, according to the Daily Star, Amanda has now reportedly left the show altogether after feeling 'fed up', with a source claiming: "The schedule is very gruelling and after a series of setbacks on the show she has simply decided, with regret, that it's the right thing to do."

However, this has not yet been confirmed by either the BBC or Amanda herself.

The claims come a week after Amanda took to Instagram to share with her 122k followers an update on her mental health.

In a video about World Mental Health Day, Amanda told her followers to: "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."

A spokesperson for Strictly declined to comment when contacted by Tyla about the reports of Amanda quitting.

Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday (28 October) at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Tyla has reached out to the BBC for comment.

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