Amanda Abbington breaks silence on shock Strictly exit saying she’s ‘so sad’ to leave show

AMANDA Abbington has broken her silence on her shock decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress, 49, posted a lengthy statement online after news of her exit broke last night – but she failed to mention her pro partner Giovanni Pernice, 33.

Today she told fans: “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”

Last night presenter and singer Fleur East confirmed the Sherlock star had exited the show.

She read a statement which 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.”

A compilation of Amanda’s best moments on the dancing show was played before Fleur added: “Amanda, we are sending you all of our love.”

It came after it was announced on Friday evening that Amanda would miss the Strictly live show on Saturday night but could “return the following week” alongside Giovanni.

At the time, according to the , the Sherlock star shared a quote by the late actor and comedian Robin Williams – but then deleted it.

The post seemingly read: “People don’t fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind.”

Following her exit announcement, Gio shared a picture of the pair wearing Christmas outfits on his Instagram.

The post read: “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.”

The Sun reported last month how Amanda and her Italian dance partner Giovanni had clashed — with the actress threatening to quit over the dance pro’s “militant” attitude to training.

In her last appearance on the show, Amanda scored 31 for a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac, with judge Mabuse saying she enjoyed that the couple took the time to show the “beauty of the movement”.

In the second week of Strictly she had wowed the judges with complex-looking lifts and a handstand when she dazzled in a sparkly dress and performed the salsa to a song by Gloria Estefan alongside partner Giovanni.

During movie week, she scored 30 points for her “magical” Bridget Jones-inspired rumba to Out Of Reach by Gabrielle.

Amanda played Mary Watson in BBC series Sherlock and has appeared in other TV series that include Inside No 9, Mr Selfridge and After You’ve Gone.