Amanda Abbington was reportedly not invited to perform at the Strictly Come Dancing final by show bosses.
The 51-year-old actress was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernici, 33, for this year's series, but suddenly left the show in October for “personal reasons.”
While all of the 2023 contestants who were eliminated from the show returned for one final appearance together in the final episode earlier this month, Amanda was noticeably absent.
A show source told The Sun: “There was a lot of talk on set about Amanda's notable absence from the finale.”
“It seemed unfair that Nigel was invited back and she wasn’t.
Amanda Abbington was reportedly not invited to perform at the Strictly Come Dancing final by show bosses
The 51-year-old actress was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernici, 33, for this year's series, but suddenly left the show in October for “personal reasons.”
“I can imagine she was upset about the snub as it would have been nice to see her come back for one last dance, especially as she was so popular on the show and very popular with viewers.”
Web has contacted the BBC and a representative for Amanda for comment.
It comes after Amanda revealed she was “really distraught” over her sudden exit from Strictly.
The star left the show back in October, citing “personal issues” as the trigger for her early exit.
On Saturday, Amanda opened up about her early exit on Instagram, just weeks after she didn't return to the group dance in the finale.
Amanda reposted a fan's comment on her Instagram Stories. The Strictly viewer wrote: “I was really upset by her sudden departure from the show.”
The Sherlock star added her own caption: “Thank you angel. So was I.”
Amanda did not return for the finale, which brings together the series' previous contestants for one final number.
This comes after Amanda revealed on Saturday that she was “really distraught” over her sudden exit from Strictly
Amanda reposted a fan's comment: “I was really upset by her sudden departure from the show.” The Sherlock star added her own caption: “Thank you angel.” That's how I was'
But she sent a message of support to the three finalists on Instagram. Sharing a snap of the three couples with the glitterball trophy, Amanda wrote: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful people.”
BBC bosses have been told they are keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there is “no bad blood”.
However, a source told The Mirror: “You [the BBC] still wanted to position her as part of the Strictly family, but Amanda's response to the invitation was that she wouldn't be coming back.
“It’s a shame because her exit has put a damper on the series this year.”
The BBC declined to comment when contacted by Web.
The publication added that it was “difficult” and disturbing for Giovanni as he doesn't want people to see it “as a reflection of who he is.”
Although the couple sometimes “clashed,” Giovanni wishes her all the best.
The Sherlock star left the show in week five, initially citing medical reasons before later revealing personal issues on Instagram.
The 51-year-old actress, who worked with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, left the show back in October, citing “personal problems” as the trigger for her early exit
Amanda decided not to return for the finale, which brings together all of the show's previous contestants for one final number
Amanda withdrew from her appearance before it was announced on Monday after the weekend that she would not be returning.
In an episode of 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 Web: “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.”
It was said Giovanni and Amanda had been feuding for weeks, with film star Amanda left “shocked” by the pro's “militant and aggressive” training style.
The actress clearly snubbed the professional dancer in her exit statement, which she published on Instagram.
While the couple sometimes “clashed,” Giovanni, 33, wished Amanda well after her sudden exit
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.
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'.