Amanda Abbington's fiancé shares message of support after her Strictly exit

26 October 2023 , 09:06

785     0

Amanda Abbington's fiancé shares message of support after her Strictly exit

Amanda Abbington’s fiancé, Jonathan Goodwin, has offered his support following her shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing.

The 43-year-old retired stunt performer has been engaged to former Sherlock star Amanda, 51, since 2021. He had been supporting Amanda via social media while she had been competing on the show. Now the former escape artist - who was paralysed when an America’s Got Talent stunt went wrong in October 2021 - has broken his social media silence since his wife-to-be suddenly left the hit BBC show.

In view of his 60,400 Instagram followers, Jonathan pledged his support to Amanda and fellow actress Dame Sue Vincent for their continued charity work ahead of the festive season.

Amanda Abbington fiancé, Jonathan Goodwin, has spoken publicly for the first time since she quit Strictly (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Sharing a snap of Amanda and Dame Sue, Jonathan penned: "Every year @amanda_abbington74 & @damesuevincent raise money to provide Christmas dinner for the women and children in refuges in London. This year I'm going to do 5 hypnotherapy sessions and donate the fee to the cause. So if you want to get involved then send me a message. I can help you... and you can help some people who are in need of support and kindness."

Amanda’s exit from Strictly was revealed on companion show It Takes Two hours after news broke online that she had opted to pull out of the series. It Takes Two host, Fleur East, announced Amanda and Giovanni’s exit from the show, saying: "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." Fleur then showed Amanda and Giovanni's best bits on the show, before sending her own well wishes to the actress.

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

Jonathan was out to support Amanda (@jonathangoodwinofficial/Instagram)

Amanda sensationally quit Strictly Come Dancing earlier this week (PA)

The full reason for Amanda’s exit was not explained, however, reports ahead of the official announcement claimed the actress was “fed up” with the show after being ‘plagued by difficulties. Days before her official withdrawal, Amanda and Giovanni were forced to sit out the week five performance due to “health reasons”.

Strictly officials announced that the pair wouldn’t be taking part, but bosses hoped they would return for week six. A statement stated: "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."

It's speculated that Amanda and Giovanni were at the centre of a feud since they were partnered together on the BBC show. Following her exit, Giovanni gushed over his partner, while Amanda failed to acknowledge him. She said: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons, I am unable to continue.

"It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside. I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It's a wonderful bunch of people and I'll miss all of them. I'm so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you

Daniel Bird