All the stars to quit Strictly Come Dancing from Amanda Abbington to Kelly Brook

Strictly Come Dancing fans were dealt a crushing blow this week, when celebrity contestant Amanda Abbington revealed she was pulling out of the competition due to “medical problems.”

The star, who had been partnered with Giovanni Pernice, was widely considered to be one of the strongest competitors in this year’s series, however despite her success on the dance floor, the star made the tough decision to withdraw just days after missing the fifth live show of the series.

Initially Amanda’s absence was only thought to be temporary, as an announcement made on It Takes Two indicated that she would be returning the following week – however, it has since been confirmed that this is not the case, as Amanda has opted to protect her health by quitting the show completely.

In a statement on Instagram, the star wrote: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly.

“I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue. It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.”

She then continued: “I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.

“I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx”

However, while Amanda’s departure will no doubt have come as a shock to fans at home, the actress is far from the first celebrity to withdraw from the competition, as several other stars have also withdrawn before being eliminated in the past.

Here, we take a closer look at the other stars who have quit Strictly over the years…

Tony Adams – Series 20 (2022)

During last year’s series, Tony Adams was forced to withdraw from the competition after he sustained a painful injury during Saturday’s live show during week 8 of the competition.

The firm fan favourite had successfully performed his dance routine with partner Katya Jones to receive a score from the judges but due to an injury sustained in the dance, he was unable to perform again and compete in the dance off, prompting him to leave the competition.

As well as his injury, Tony also made reference to mental health in his closing remarks, when he explained: "It's been emotional guys, I cried for the first month. I came in here with one message, if you've got an issue with mental health then please don't suffer in silence and reach out for help.

"Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process… I've got to be honest, it's tough, physically it's really tough… but dancing is really fantastic for you. Go out there and enjoy it and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one [Katya] hadn't I, she is an exceptional human being, she really is.”

Nicola Adams – Series 18 (2020)

Professional boxer Nicola Adams sadly had her time on Strictly cut short back in 2020, when her dance partner, Katya Jones, tested positive for COVID-19.

In line with the health and safety policies in place at the time, this meant that the couple were no longer able to compete and saw Nicola sadly axed from the show with no other alternative.

In a statement released at the time, Nicola said: "Hey guys! I'm absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon. I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for! But I just want to say a huge thank you to Katya for being the best dance partner anyone could ask for. She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it’s been an incredible experience.

"I'm gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I'm doing what I can to help. I'm gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I'm doing what I can to help.”

Will Bayley – Series 17 (2019)

Paralympic gold medal winner Will Bayley also had his dreams of taking home the Glitterball trophy cut short in 2019, after he suffered a severe knee injury during his rehearsals ahead of the show.

During week six, Will was given a bye to allow him to pass ahead to the next week in order to recover, but sadly one week’s rest wasn’t enough to heal his injury, with the athlete warned he "absolutely could not dance".

Sadly this meant he was forced to withdraw from the competition, something that Will confessed was “gutting.”

Discussing his departure, Will said: "I'm gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I've loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.”

He continued: "I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me and giving me the confidence to believe in myself. The things we achieved, from our Couple's Choice dance through to the lifts in our Salsa, will stay with me forever."

Jamie Laing – Series 17 (2019)

One star that famously quit the show before even making it to the dance floor was Made in Chelsea favourite Jamie Laing, who was signed up to compete in series 17.

However, Jamie injured his foot during rehearsals prior to the live shows, and was forced to sadly withdraw, much to his frustration.

Speaking at the time, Jamie said: ”I'm absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor. I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Interestingly, his replacement that year was Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who famously went on to win the show with Oti Mabuse – something which to this day, proved that Jamie’s injury had a silver lining after all.

Despite being unable to compete in 2019, Jamie did eventually manage to make it onto the ballfloor in 2020, when he danced his way to the final week with Karen Hauer, before being pipped to the trophy by Bill Bailey.

Will Young – Series 14 (2016)

Another shock exit came in 2016, when singer Will Young announced he was quitting the show after ranking fourth on the leaderboard.

Announcing his departure, Will told fans: "I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come."

He then added: "I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television. Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Jade Johnson – Series 7 (2009)

Team GB long jumper Jade Johnson also made the difficult decision to withdraw from the show after she suffered a knee injury during rehearsals back in 2009.

Initially, Jade missed out on one week of live shows in the hope of giving her knee time to heal, however sadly this wasn’t enough time and she ultimately went on to withdraw from the competition completely.

But if that wasn’t heartbreaking enough, the injury later caused a flare up in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics, which Jade claimed cost her a place on the British team.

"I thought the show injury had healed and I was ready to compete. Sadly it flared up just before the trials and made it ­impossible to get through them,” she admitted at the time.

John Sergeant – Series 6 (2008)

One fan favourite who surprised viewers at home by stepping down from the competition was 2008 contestant John Sergeant, who despite being at the bottom of the leaderboard week after week, was adored by fans.

After making the decision to bow out of the show, John teased that winning would have been “a joke too far”, as he felt there were far more worthy competitors to take home the trophy.

The political journalist told fans: "The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far.

"It's like when you decide when you leave a party, and the time to leave a party is before the fight starts, and I think that's really what's happened on this occasion.”

Kelly Brook – Series 5 (2007)

Model and presenter Kelly Brook was another star who withdrew from the competition when she took to the dance floor in 2007, following the death of her father, Kenneth, to terminal cancer.

Initially, Kelly had attempted to continue to fight for her place in the competition as it was something her dad would have wanted, however, her grief was still too raw and she struggled in rehearsals, before ultimately deciding to make the tough decision to withdraw.

Speaking at the time, a BBC spokesperson said: "Kelly has done some training as she had hoped to continue with the show in his memory. However, understandably she has found it too difficult.

"Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time.”

Jimmy Tarbuck – Series 4 (2006)

Jimmy Tarbuck, who was partner with Flavia Cacae-Mistry for the fourth series of Strictly, was yet another contestant who was forced to withdraw early from the competition on health grounds.

The comedian, who was 66 at the time of the show, was advised by medics to rest after his health began to suffer, something which ultimately saw him pull out of the show to follow their instructions.

Discussing his exit, Jimmy said: “I really wanted to dance on the show this week but I have to take the advice of the doctors who have told me I need to rest.

”I would like to thank my wonderful partner Flavia who has taught me so much and been patient in trying to turn this old carthorse into a proper dancer! I will really miss training with her."

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