Strictly’s Amanda Abbington snubs partner Giovanni as she breaks silence on shock exit

Amanda Abbington has broken her silence after quitting Strictly Come Dancing.

The 49 year old Sherlock star took to Instagram to share a snap of her dancing shoes, as well as a lengthy message in which she addressed her departure from the BBC show.

Amanda failed to give a reason for her decision to quit the show, however she said she "did not come to this decision lightly" and said it was an "absolute joy" working with her fellow contestants.

She did not mention her Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice, amid rumours of a 'feud' between the pair.

Her message read: "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. 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"

Fans flooded the comments section to express their dismay, as one wrote: "I am so sorry to read this, you are a beautiful dancer and you were a wonderful pair to watch . [love] to you."

Another commented: "The main thing Amanda is that you are ok. Big hugs."

Amanda's departure from Strictly was confirmed on its spin-off show, It Takes Two on Monday, 23 October.

It Takes Two host Fleur East said: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.

"The show wishes her all the best for the future."

It comes after the actress failed to perform live on Saturday, alongside the other celebrities on the show, due to a mystery 'medical reason'.

Her absence was addressed at the beginning of Saturday night's show (October 21) as presenter Claudia Winkleman said: “Now as you may have noticed, Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the lineup. Due to medical reasons Amanda is unable to perform this week."

Claudia continued: "Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week. Amanda we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes!"

After Amanda's exit, Giovanni broke his silence, as he shared a tribute to the Sherlock actor which included a snap of him and Amanda in pyjamas backstage.

He penned: "Amanda .. I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly."

On Monday, it was suggested that Amanda had decided to leave the competition because she was "fed up". A source told the Daily Star: "The schedule is very gruelling and after a series of setbacks on the show she has simply decided, with regret, that it's the right thing to do."

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