Strictly fans puzzled by tribute to Amanda Abbington as they demand explanation

28 October 2023 , 19:32

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Strictly Come Dancing fans were left puzzled by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's tribute to Amanda Abbington at the start of tonight's show (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left puzzled at the show's tribute to Amanda Abbington at the start of tonight's show.

Amanda decided she could not continue on the BBC Latin and ballroom show and quit earlier this week. In a statement posted on her social media, she said she had quit due to personal reasons as she explained: "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."

Tess and Claudia mentioned Amanda's exit briefly (BBC)

Concluding her post, she wrote: "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. xxx."

Tonight, as the show got underway, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that Amanda was not returning to the show and wished her well. Speaking at the top of the show, Claudia simply said: "Now earlier this week Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition. We are sending you all our love" as the whole audience applauded.

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Some fans thought they had missed it, given that it was so short. One viewer wrote: "Did I miss an announcement about Amanda? #strictly," as another added: "Oh. Amanda just gets a short sentence and zero explanation. Hope she's okay. #Strictly." A third shared: " #Strictly still no explanation why Amanda quit the show #Strictly."

A fourth penned: "What is the real story about why Amanda dropped out ? #Strictly," with a fifth writing: "So that’s all they are saying about Amanda #Strictly." A sixth puzzled: "Is there no elimination this week now that Amanda has gone? #strictly."

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Jasmine Allday