Amanda Abbington's fiance's cryptic message hours before she quit Strictly

23 October 2023 , 17:50

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Amanda Abbington's fiance's cryptic message hours before she quit Strictly

Amanda Abbington's partner shared a cryptic message on social media just hours before it was officially confirmed his fiancee has quit Strictly Come Dancing.

Fleur East announced the actress had withdrawn from the BBC competition on Strictly's spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday night, A spokesperson for Strictly added: Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in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.”

Jonathan Goodwin, who was left paralysed from the waist down following a stunt going wrong on America's Got Talent, proposed to Amanda within 30 minutes of their first meeting, after being social media friends for over a decade. Their romance began after Amanda's split from her Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman.

Amanda Abbington and Jonathan Goodwin were engaged within 30 minutes of meeting (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The Sherlock actress has pulled out of the star-studded BBC dance competition (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Posting to Instagram on Monday morning, retired escapologist and daredevil Jonathan shared a story with his followers as he posed in front of a mirror wearing a black jumper and a pair of blue jeans. He captioned the selfie: "We can be so hard on ourselves...be our own worst critics... But before you judge yourself... make sure your mirror is clean."

Amanda missed Strictly's live show on Saturday, with her absence announced on Friday night's edition of Strictly: It Takes Two. The mum-of-two shared a poignant message with her Instagram followers the following morning, reminding people: "People don't fake depression... they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind."

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Her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice was all smiles as he took to the dancefloor solo later the same day, as Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly addressed Amanda's absences and sent their support to the star. "As per the rules of the competition, she's been given a bye and all being well will return to the ballroom next weekend. Amanda, we are all sending you so much love," Tess told BBC viewers on Saturday night.

Are you sad to see Amanda and Giovanni leave Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

On Monday night, the Daily Star reported Amanda had quit the competition completely due to setbacks. A source told the publication: "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."

Prior to Amanda missing the live show over the weekend, the Mr Selfridge actress and her dance partner Giovanni had been forced to deny rumours of a feud. Appearing on Strictly's sister show It Takes Two last week, Amanda and Giovanni put on a united front as host Janette Manrara said: "It honestly looks like you two are having the best time in rehearsals, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?"

Amanda agreed and replied: "Yeah we are, we are! We do and we laugh a lot, we have the same sense of humour which is really important. So we'll come out, work hard, and then we just laugh don't we."

Zoe Delaney