Why did Amanda Abbington quit Strictly Come Dancing?
AMANDA Abbington fans have been left shocked after it was revealed she had quit Strictly for good.
It cane after the actress was unable to take to the dance floor on October 21, 2023.
Who is Amanda Abbington?
Amanda Abbington was born Amanda Jane Smith on February 28, 1974, in north London, before growing up in Hertfordshire.
The actress starred as Miss Mardle in Mr Selfridge from 2013 until 2016.
But she is best known for her role in Sherlock where she played Mary Morstan, the wife of John Watson, who was played by her ex, Martin Freeman
Amanda has had roles in The Bill, Wycliffe, Casualty, Dream Team, The Sins, Shades, Doc Martin, Coupling, and Teachers.
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In 2023, she starred in the four-part Channel 5 series, Desperate Measures, as well as appearing in ITV's The Family Pile, and Netflix show Lockwood & Co.
In October 2021, Amanda got engaged to Britain's Got Talent escapologist Jonathan Goodwin.
However, her fiance was paralysed for life after a stunt in the US tragically went horribly wrong.
Why did Amanda Abbington quit Strictly Come Dancing?
In August 2023, it was announced that Amanda had joined the Strictly Come Dancing lineup.
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The BBC Press Office tweeted at the time: "The game is on! Award-winning stage and screen actor Amanda Abbington is the first celebrity confirmed for #Strictly Come Dancing 2023 and can't wait to start. Is she ready for a study in sparkles?"
Amanda was partnered with pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice on the show.
However on October 21, 2023, it was revealed she was unable to perform on Strictly that night, due to "illness".
Host Claudia Winkleman then assured fans that Amanda would be "returning next week".
A spokesperson explained: “Due to medical reasons Amanda Abbington will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.
"Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week.”
However, on October 23, 2023, it was revealed that the actress had "secretly quit" the show.
This was then confirmed hours later by the BBC, on Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two.
Addressing the issue, host Fleur East told viewers: "We’ve received the news that Amanda is not returning to Strictly."
Reading out the official statement, she said: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly and has decided to withdraw from the competition.
"The show wishes her all the best for the future."
A short clip was then played of Amanda's best bits, as Fleur added: "Amanda, we are sending you all of our love.";
What have people said about Amanda Abbington?
In response to the news that Amanda had quit Strictly, one fan tweeted: "Sad to hear Amanda Abbington has quit Strictly Come Dancing.
"She should have been in the Final. Whatever's wrong, I send her all the best."
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A second wrote: "A shame Amanda has quit... but its probably for the best if shes been going through something health comes first!"
"It’s sad Amanda Abingdon has quit strictly, I wish her well," said a third fan.