Strictly Come Dancing’s Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell have broken their silence after co-star Amanda Abbinhton quit the BBC show.
The 49-year-old Sherlock star was said to be devastated to exit the series after her time on the show was “plagued by difficulties”.
The news comes after Amanda posted a poignant post about mental health after withdrawing from Saturday’s show for medical reasons and skipping dancing with her partner Giovanni Pernice, 33.
During an appearance on Lorraine on Tuesday morning, Bobby and Dianne reacted to the shocking news.
Dianne told presenter Christine Lampard: “We will miss her very much.”
Speak out: Strictly Come Dancing’s Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell have broken their silence after co-star Amanda Abbinhton left the BBC show
Gutted: The 49-year-old Sherlock star is said to be devastated to exit the series after her time on the show was “plagued by difficulties”.
Bobby quipped, “I’ll still go over to her place and have dinner.”
Dianne added: “We’ve talked about this before, she invited Bobby over for dinner.”
“I’m just glad she’s doing what she wants,” Bobby said.
On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s exit and released a statement saying: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue on Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.” The show wishes her all the best for the future.’
A montage of Amanda’s best moments from the series was shown before presenter Fleur East added: “Amanda, we send you all our love.”
A Strictly insider told Mail Online: “This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.”
“It was a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties but she just didn’t believe there was another option.
“As hard as it was, there was a chance they could have won.”
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by Web.
Just hours before the news broke, Amanda’s partner Jonathan Goodwin shared a cryptic post on Instagram.
And after the actress posted a poignant message about mental health earlier this week, it seems the 43-year-old Britain’s Got Talent star has now hinted at the same thing.
Jonathan shared a picture of himself posing in the mirror and captioned the story: “We can be so hard on ourselves… being our own worst critics…”
“But before you judge yourself… make sure your mirror is clean.”
Dianne told Lorraine presenter Christine Lampard: “We will miss her very much.”
Gutted: You said: “It was a devastating time for Amanda.” Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties but she just didn’t believe there was another option.
Following the news, disappointed fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: “I will wait for it to be confirmed by Strictly or Amanda before giving in to my anxiety and depression.”
While someone else said: “Absolutely devastated that Amanda Abbington has left #Strictly.” One of my favorites from week one as I didn’t know her before either.
“I had a feeling it was coming. “I’m going to miss them and Gio so much, it was a joy to watch them. Sending lots of love and hugs to both of them.
Someone else said: “I’m disappointed Amanda Abbington has pulled out because she was brilliant in the strictest sense.”
Another wrote: “Hoping it wasn’t true Amanda Abbington went Strictly.”
While a fifth commented: “So sad to hear #amandaabbington has left #StrictlyComeDancing and of course we lost Gio. I hope she’s okay.”
This came after the show’s stars sent Amanda “all their love” at the start of Saturday’s show.
After introducing this week’s couples, hosts Claudia Winkleman, 51, and Tess Daly, 54, gave a heartfelt speech about Amanda’s absence.
Claudia said: “As you may have noticed, Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the line-up as Amanda is unable to perform this week for medical reasons.”
Sad: Following the news, disappointed fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to wish the star well
Disappointed: One said: “Absolutely devastated that Amanda Abbington has left #Strictly.” One of my favorites from the first week as I didn’t know her before either.
Tess continued: “As per the rules of the competition she has been given a bye and will, if healthy, return to the ballroom next weekend.”
Then Claudia gushed, “Amanda, we’re all sending you so much love.”
As Tess also sent her best wishes, she added: “Lots of love to you.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were disappointed not to see the Sherlock star dancing and hoped to see her on screen again soon.
One wrote: “I hope Amanda is feeling better and I look forward to her return next week.”
With a second sentence: “Hurry up and come back, Amanda!”.
While someone else said: “Oooh I miss Amanda and Gio tonight. I can’t wait for her to come back next week.”
And one fan’s cat was devastated, saying: “Junior is sad, Amanda and Giovanni are not well.”
Best wishes: Claudia said: “As you may have noticed, Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the line-up as Amanda is unable to perform this week for medical reasons.”
It was announced on It Takes Two on Friday that Amanda had pulled out of this weekend’s live show for medical reasons and would return next week.
Amanda, who has not revealed the reason for her absence, reportedly shared a poignant message on her Instagram Stories on Saturday in a now-deleted post.
According to The Mirror, she re-shared a quote about mental health from late actor Robin Williams, which was originally posted by an account called “positiveminds011.”
The poignant quote was, “People don’t fake depression…they fake being well.” Remember that. Be friendly.’
Amanda has apparently since deleted the post as it no longer appears in her Instagram Stories.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE PARTICIPANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: journalist
Angela said: “I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one and as a former Come Dancing presenter this will be quite an adventure for me.” “A scary proposition considering I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe learning to dance the Argentine tango.”
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: actress
Amanda says: “I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. “I’m actually very shy and self-conscious, so this is a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.”
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ll be taking part in the UK’s most famous dance competition!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: journalist
Krishnan says: “I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to be taking part in Strictly on a ‘you only live once’ basis. “I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little worried about my general weakness.”
Age: 40
Occupation: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says, “WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to me. I am so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise you, I will give it everything I can. This will be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Occupation: TV presenter
Angela says: “I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. “I’ve never done any other dances except drunken jiving at a wedding!”
Age: 26
Occupation: Documentary filmmaker and former Love Island star
Zara says: “I’m so excited to be joining the world of Strictly!” I grew up with my grandma watching the film every year and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.”
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Occupation: Actor and presenter
Adam says: “I can’t dance to save my life, but I’m excited to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. ‘Get me on the dance floor… I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I’m excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: actor
Nigel says: “I’m amazed, excited and scared to be doing Strictly.” As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…Gulp!’
Age: 57
Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player
Annabel said: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joy along the way.”