Strictly: Amanda Abbington withdraws from the show
Sherlock star Amanda Abbington has reportedly turned down the opportunity to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing finale.
According to reports, her former professional partner Giovanni Pernice will be forced to dance alone following her withdrawal from the spectacle. It comes following her alleged “feud” with the Italian dancer.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson told OK!: “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final.”
Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for further comment on the matter.
The three stars who have made it to the all-important final are Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams. They are paired up with Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola and Nikita Kuzmin.
READ MORE Strictly’s Bobby Brazier admits dad Jeff ‘hasn’t stopped laughing’ about routine
Amanda quit the BBC series in October, later stating she left the competition for “personal reasons”.
It Takes Two host Fleur East said at the time: “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.”
Her partner Jonathan Goodwin took to social media to write a cryptic post at the time of her exit.
He penned: “We can be so hard on ourselves…be our own worst critics… But before you judge yourself… make sure your mirror is clean.”
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Meanwhile, Giovanni wrote: “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 did not mention the pro dancer in her statement and simply said: “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.”
Giovanni has appeared in dances on the live shows with other pros since Amanda’s exit.
Eliminated stars are set to return to the BBC programme on Saturday night to mark the end of this year’s series of Strictly.
Will Bobby, Ellie or Layton walk away with the prestigious Glitterball Trophy?
Strictly Come Dancing’s final airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.
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