BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amanda Abbington pulls out of Saturday's live show

20 October 2023 , 17:38

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BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amanda Abbington pulls out of Saturday's live show

Strictly Come Dancing 's Amanda Abbington will not be dancing this Saturday night due to "medical reasons".

The news was revealed on Friday's spin-off show, It Takes Two, by host Janette Manrara, she said: "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!" Both Amanda and pro dance partner Giovanni Pernice are yet to address the news on their social media platforms.

While Strictly Come Dancing added to the Mirror in a further 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."

Strictly Come Dancing's Amanda Abbington will not be dancing this Saturday night due to "medical reasons" (BBC)

Strictly fans were quick to react to the news with one person writing: "Unfortunately due to illness Amanda & Gio will not be performing their Cha Cha tomorrow. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly", while another follower wrote: "Amanda is sitting out #Strictly this week due to medical issues, should be back next week."

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It comes as Amanda and Giovanni scored 31 points last week for their Foxtrot to the Fleetwood Mac song Everywhere, finishing high on the leaderboard. The duo were due to perform the Cha Cha Cha to Canned Heat by Jamiroquai this Saturday night.

Elsewhere, Adam Thomas was reportedly banned from rehearsals earlier this week after falling ill – potentially throwing this weekend’s show into chaos. The Waterloo Road star revealed he had fallen ill earlier this week and posted a photo of himself in bed.

Taking to Instagram, he told fans: "Of all weeks to be poorly!", and said he was downing Berocca and coffee in a bid to get well again. Adam appears to have recovered from his ill health as he appeared on Strictly's spin off It Takes Two on Thursday evening – alongside his partner Luba Mushtuk – and shared a snap of himself with ice packs on his knees after on his Instagram story – hinting he had been training that day, too with the reported ban now lifted.

Elsewhere, Adam Thomas was reportedly banned from rehearsals earlier this week after falling ill (BBC)

Adam is due to take to the dance floor with Luba for their Couple’s Choice dance to a Backstreet Boys medley, which they were expected to perform before Adam's health update. How polished Adam and Luba's performance is on Saturday remains to be seen after they reportedly missed vital rehearsal time as it has been reported that, earlier in the week, Adam was temporarily banned from rehearsals, which could put him at a disadvantage.

A source told The Sun : "Strictly have been banning the celebs and the pros from training if they’re ill in a bid to stop them from spreading it. Naturally everyone on the show just wants to show up and carry on. But if they’re spreading their lurgy it could have a big knock on effect. Strictly should be about sparkles and sequins – not snot!" The Mirror contacted BBC for comment over the claims.

Olivia Wheeler