Amanda Abbington did not take part in Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing final after quitting the competition at the start of the series.
The 51-year-old actress was in a relationship with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice but left in the fifth week, citing medical reasons for her departure.
Last month it was reported that the actress had declined her invitation to the finale.
In Saturday's finale, all of the other previously eliminated stars from this year's series came together to perform a group dance and celebrate with the winner.
A source told The Mirror why she wouldn't be there: “They still wanted to position her as part of the Strictly family but Amanda's response to the invitation was that she wouldn't be back.”
Amanda Abbington did not take part in Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing final after quitting the competition at the start of the series
The 51-year-old actress was in a relationship with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice but left in the fifth week, citing medical reasons for her departure
“It’s a shame because her exit has put a damper on the series this year.”
The Strictly insider added that her snub was “difficult” and worrying for Giovanni as he doesn't want people to see it as “a reflection of who he is”.
While the couple sometimes “clashed,” they added that Giovanni wishes her well.
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by Web.
But while Amanda decided not to return to the finale, she sent a message of support to the three finalists.
Taking to Instagram, Amanda shared a snap of the three finalist couples holding the glitterball trophy and wrote: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful people.”
During her time on the show, reports surfaced that the actress had a beef with 33-year-old Giovanni.
Giovanni and Amanda, 49, are said to have been feuding for weeks, with film star Amanda left “shocked” by the professional's “militant and aggressive” training style.
The actress clearly snubbed the professional dancer in her exit statement, which she published on Instagram.
In Saturday's finale, all of the other previously eliminated stars from this year's series came together to perform a group dance and celebrate with the winner (pictured is the group dance).
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing in Saturday's final
A source told The Mirror why she wouldn't be there: “They still wanted to position her as part of the Strictly family but Amanda's response to the invitation was that she wouldn't be back.”
Amanda quit after her time on the show was “plagued with difficulty.”
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 wonderful, 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'.
It Takes Two 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.”
The actress clearly snubbed the professional dancer in her exit statement, which she published on Instagram
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.
While the couple sometimes “clashed,” Giovanni, 33, wished her well
“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.”
Giovanni later took to his Instagram to break his silence after the news broke, sharing 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.”
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
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: 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.”