TV & Showbiz
Amanda Abbington breaks silence with statement after leaving Strictly Come Dancing for ‘personal reasons’
"I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further."
Emily Sergeant -
25th October 2023 
Amanda Abbington has issued a statement after it was revealed this week that she was withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing for “personal reasons”.
The North London-born actress – whose career on the stage and screen has spanned over 30 years, and is best-known for her roles on ITV and BBC dramas Mr Selfridge and Sherlock – was partnered with veteran pro Giovanni Pernice on the current series of the ever-popular BBC reality competition show that’s been entertaining the masses each weekend for the last five weeks.
In what is a very strong year for the show, with many record-high scores and fan-favourite couples already emerging, the 49-year-old had been receiving plenty of praise from the judges.
And although she has been the subject of some online discussion and discourse over controversial comments she had previously made about the transgender community on social media earlier this year, the actress seemed popular with the voting public too, and was yet to find herself in the bottom two.
But in last week’s episode, it was revealed that Abbington was unable to compete – with undisclosed “medical reasons” cited as the reason.
It was then revealed on Monday evening (23 October) that she had “withdrawn from the competition”.
After much speculation on the nature of the situation, Strictly Come Dancing and BBC’s press office confirmed the news of Abbington’s withdrawal from the show with a statement that reads: “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.”
And now finally, Abbington has broken her silence and spoken out in her own statement on social media.
Taking to Instagram yesterday to address the situation, Abbington’s statement reads in full: “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.”
Abbington closed out her statement by saying thank you to “everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support”.
“You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you,” she concluded.
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Abbington’s professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, also issued his own statement on Instagram following the news, which reads: “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.”
Featured Image – Ray Burmiston (via BBC)
