30 December 2023 , 23:08
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Amanda Abbington wasn't invited to perform during Strictly Come Dancing's series finale, according to insiders.
The Sherlock actress was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice during this year's BBC series, but was forced to leave after five weeks due to "personal reasons". Now a source is saying she wasn't invited back for the show's finale.
"There was a lot of talk on set about Amanda's notable absence from the finale It seemed unfair that Nigel was invited back and she wasn’t," claims an insider. "I imagine she was upset by the snub as it would have been nice to have seen her return for one last dance, especially as she was so popular on the show and well-liked by viewers."
Amanda was forced to leave after five weeks in the competition (BBC)After the revelations in The Sun, the BBC reiterated their previous response to Amanda's exit, with a spokesperson 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."
It comes after news that Amanda is still ‘distraught’ over her sudden exit from Strictly. The 51-year-old actress was one of the twelve celebrity contestants taking part in season 21 of the long-running BBC dance contest. The exact reason for Amanda’s exit has still not been revealed, with show insiders citing 'personal' circumstances for her departure.
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Weeks after she seemingly snubbed the show's finale, Amanda reflected on her time on the show and her unfortunate ending. Fans of Strictly were distressed when Amanda and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, were absent during week five of the show due to “medical reasons” but were offered a pass so they could return to the contest the following weekend. But hours after the results show of week five aired, it was confirmed that Amanda and Giovanni had withdrawn from the contest entirely.
One fan has been reflecting on the 2023 contest this weekend and expressed their sadness at the fact Amanda and Giovanni exited early. They re-posted an image that Amanda had shared of her dance shoes - and added a message of their own over the top.
Sharing their thoughts on Instagram Stories, the fan wrote: “I was truly distraught with her sudden departure from the show… So hard to say goodbye.” And to the fan’s surprise, Amanda herself responded to the post and agreed that she too had been distraught to exit early. The Sherlock star wrote in reply: “Thank you angel. So was I.” This, in turn, prompted the fan to reply, writing: “Just wasn’t to be” alongside a peace hand emoji, red heart emoji, and a disco ball emoji.
Following her shock departure from the show, Amanda took to social media to explain that she had to withdraw - but didn’t explicitly explain why. She wrote soon after her exit: “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.”
She added: “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.” Her departure came after weeks of speculation that she had clashed with Giovanni behind-the-scenes of the show. But Amanda herself had hit out at the rumours - branding the speculation: “bulls**t”.