Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman spoke about Amanda Abbington’s shocking exit from Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday’s live show.
The 51-year-old actress pulled out of the show for “personal reasons” after she and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice did not appear in last Saturday’s episode.
Amanda didn’t say why she quit but said she didn’t make the “decision lightly” as insiders claimed her time on the show had been “plagued by difficulties”.
Hosts Tess and Claudia spoke about her surprise exit at the start of the show, telling viewers: “Earlier this week, Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition.”
They added: “We send you all our love” and the studio audience then joined in a round of applause.
Sending love: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman spoke about Amanda Abbington’s shocking exit from Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday’s live show
Exit: The 51-year-old actress pulled out of the show for “personal reasons” after she and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice did not appear in last Saturday’s episode
In an exit statement this week, Amanda thanked her team but fueled rumors of a feud with Giovanni by not mentioning it.
She wrote: “It is with great regret that I have had to leave Strictly.” This decision was not an easy one for me but for personal reasons I cannot continue.
“It was an absolute pleasure working with my competitors. They are a beautiful, hard-working and talented group of people that I love and will miss seeing and competing with every Friday and Saturday.”
“I would like to thank the incredible production team and everyone at Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. “They are wonderful people and I will miss them all.
“I’m so sad I can’t carry on.” Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all great. Really. Thank you very much. xxx’.
Giovanni later took to Instagram and shared a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week.
He captioned the snap: “Amanda… I’m so sad we can’t move on but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I’m sending you so much love.”
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 Strictly insider told Web about Amanda’s withdrawal: “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 difficult as it was, there was a chance they could have won.’
After seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting that this could be Giovanni’s last season appearing with a celebrity partner.
One wrote: “I think this will be your last year… you’ve outgrown Strictly and I think you know that.”
Another said: “I’m devastated for you.” I supported and voted for both of you. Will we see you dancing on Strictly next year?
But sources close to Giovanni say that although these talks will not take place until 2024, he is not even thinking about leaving the show.
Amanda reportedly didn’t know what she was getting herself into when she signed up for the BBC dance show – speculation suggests she failed to get along with Giovanni.
According to the Telegraph, the star was “exhausted and fragile” and insiders are not surprised she quit the show.