BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans huge demand for show as Amanda Abbington quits

23 October 2023 , 20:39

829     0

Strictly fans demand show brings back eliminated contestant as Amanda Abbington quits (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing viewers are calling for a major shake-up to this year's line-up in response to the shocking news that Amanda Abbington has quit the competition.

It was announced on Monday evening that the Sherlock star had withdrawn from the glitzy BBC reality series, just two days after missing Saturday's show because of medical issues. It Takes Two host Fleur East confirmed Amanda's exit on the spin-off series tonight, before sending the 49-year-old a sweet message and playing a montage of her best moments from her Strictly journey.

Fans of the show have now taken to Twitter to call for the return of Eddie Kadi and his partner, Karen Hauer, after raising issue with their axing last week. The British-Congolese presenter was the fourth contestant to be eliminated from the show, after losing the dance off to Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima. Some folks believe that Eddie and Karen should be given a second chance, however, on the basis that it wasn't a fair contest due to Amanda and Giovanni's absence.

Amanda and Giovanni were absent from last week's show due to medical issues (BBC)

"So now Amanda's gone, Eddie should be brought back, he didn't deserve to go over Zara this weekend," one person wrote, while another asked, "Can Eddie come back to Strictly then if Amanda has quit??"

Many people also disagreed with the judges' decision to save Zara over Eddie, with many taking to the Internet to express their criticism of the Love Islander's performance in the dance off.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

"Zara spent quite a bit of time being swung around in the air, whereas Eddie had his feet on the floor actually dancing, so I think Eddie should have been saved," one person wrote, while another raged, "WHAT IN THE ACTUAL?! Eddie and Karen’s dance was WAY better in the dance-off. Zara hardly danced, Graziano flung her around. Her feet were hardly on the dance floor! Utter rubbish!"

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

It has been widely reported that Amanda, who has yet to address her withdrawal from Strictly, struggled immensely during her stint on the show.

"It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn’t think there was any other option," a source told the MailOnline. "As hard as it has been, there was a chance they could have won."

Giovanni has since broken his silence on Amanda's withdrawal, taking to Instagram to issue a sweet tribute to the Mr. Selfridge star. "Amanda.. am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love," he wrote alongside a photo of the two together backstage.

Emma Dooney