04 December 2023 , 13:35
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Amanda Abbington has sent a message of support to Nigel Harman after he was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing.
The Sherlock actress confirmed she had quit the BBC show back in October after missing week five's live show due to "medical reasons" while Nigel was forced to quit after injuring his ribs during rehearsals.
During the quarter-finals, Nigel and Katya joined Claudia Winkleman to express their disappointment at having to leave the show early. Strictly's official Instagram account shared a clip of the former EastEnders actor talking about his time on the show.
He said: "Oh, I've loved it! I've loved it and I am loving it, it's too soon to say loved. This hasn't really sunk in, when I watched everyone come down the stairs, I was a bit like: 'Oh this is real, I'm not part of this anymore.' That was quite sad and I've been avoiding Katya all day because that makes it really real."
Amanda quit Strictly on 'medical grounds' (BBC/Guy Levy)
Nigel was forced to pull out due to injury (BBC)The caption read: "Now that was emotional. What an incredible journey [Nigel] and [Katya] have had, from their iconic Paso Doble to their breathtaking Rumba. We'll miss this brilliant #Strictly partnership."
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
Members of the Strictly family shared their support to Nigel, with Amanda, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice, commenting four red hearts. The Casualty actor explained on Saturday why he had been forced to withdraw.
He said: "I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men. And as I flew, I was Peter Pan and as I landed, I was in A&E. I've done something to my rib, basically, and it's quite painful!"
Are you sad to see Nigel leave Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Meanwhile, there have been reports the Strictly crew are "relieved" the actor quit after he was accused of "backstage mood swings" and behaving like a "bear with a sore head" when he received negative feedback from the judges.
A Strictly insider told Mirror: "It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained. Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday 16th December."