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Amanda Abbington has spoken about her Strictly Come Dancing exit for the first time since withdrawing from the show, admitting that the decision left her “distraught”.
The Sherlock actress, 51, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice, left the BBC competition in the fifth week after missing the previous episode due to “medical reasons”.
On Saturday, Amanda reposted an Instagram Story from one of her 138,000 followers which included an image of the gold dancing shoes the actress used for her farewell statement in October.
The fan wrote: “I was truly distraught with her sudden departure from the show. So hard to say goodbye.”
Amanda added: “Thank you angel. So was I.
After announcing her withdrawal, the mum-of-two said her decision had not come “easily or lightly”.
She penned: “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…I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further.”
The post was flooded with support from Strictly pros and hosts. Claudia Winkleman posted: “We love you,” while Jowita Przystal wrote: “Take care, darling, we will miss you…sending lots of love.”
While Amanda thanked her fellow contestants and the show’s production team, she failed to mention Giovanni.
Prior to Amanda’s statement, Giovanni shared his own post saying he was “so sad” that Amanda had decided to quit.
The dancer, 33, wrote alongside a love heart emoji: “Amanda, I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda did not return to the ballroom for the live final earlier this month, with reports claiming that she declined the offer.
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final.”
Actor Nigel Harman, on the other hand, did return for the final after pulling out of the quarter-final due to a rib injury.
Despite her absence, Amanda did wish the remaining contestants and their professional partners luck ahead of the show. She wrote alongside an image of them all: “Good luck to these six beautiful humans tonight.”
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Source: NewsFinale
