Strictly Come Dancing has lost another star from this year's series, after actress Amanda Abbington quit the series.
The 49 year old, who is best known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Sherlock, was mysteriously absent from the live show on Saturday leaving pro dancer Giovanni Pernice without a partner.
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara had to break the news to viewers of her TV show, just a day before Amanda and Giovanni were due to take to the dance floor for their Cha Cha Cha to Jamiroquai's hit, Canned Heat.
She announced on Friday's show, 20 October: "We have some breaking news. Unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. 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!"
Although the duo were thought to be returning to the BBC show after a short break, it was later confirmed Amanda has quit for good. On It Takes Two last night, 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."
Rumours of a 'rift'
Amanda's decision to leave has sparked rumours of a fallout with Giovanni. This was magnified when she broke her silence on her exit and mentioned co-stars, as well as a "kind and caring production team", but failed to publicly acknowledge her pro dance partner.
She wrote: "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."
While many celebs dream of being paired with Strictly pro Giovanni, his partnerships since he joined the BBC dance show in 2015 haven't always been smooth sailing. Before this year's show started, there were reports that he was already clashing with Amanda. She was reportedly unhappy with Giovanni's "strict and aggressive style and attitude" during their training sessions and had even thought about quitting the competition before the first live show.
Despite the rumours, the pair denied any rift. Before Amanda missed the live show over the weekend, they appeared on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two. Host Janette Manrara asked: "It honestly looks like you two are having the best time, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?" To which Amanda agreed and insisted: "Yeah we are, we are! We do and we laugh a lot, we have the same sense of humour which is really important. So we'll come out, work hard, and then we just laugh don't we."
After Amanda announced her departure, Giovanni posted a cosy backstage snap of the two in their pyjamas on Instagram, saying: "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 ."
Cryptic messages
Both Amanda and her real-life partner Jonathan Goodwin have shared cryptic messages on social media.
On Saturday morning, Amanda shared a touching message on Instagram as Giovanni prepared to dance solo on the live show. She broke her silence with a post from @positiveminds011, featuring a picture of the late actor Robin Williams and the words: "People don't fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind."
Then Britain's Got Talent daredevil Jonathan, who started dating Amanda in 2021, also posted a cryptic message on his social media. He shared a photo of himself looking at his reflection in a mirror on his Instagram story, writing: "We can be so hard on ourselves…be our own worst critics… but before you judge yourself…"
Jonathan added: "Make sure your mirror is clean", possibly referring to the dust seen on the mirror, but it could also be seen as a thought-provoking post.
'Gutted' reaction
On Monday, it was revealed 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."
Strictly Come Dancing fans were upset to hear about Amanda's departure on Friday night and shared their well wishes on social media. One fan tweeted: "Well that made me sad no Amanda and Gio on #Strictly tomorrow Disappointed was looking forward to their Cha Cha but most important thing is get well soon Amanda. You will be so missed."
Another viewer wrote: "Absolutely gutted, her and Giovanni are my faves so gonna be quite boring for me tomorrow." Someone else added: "She must be gutted! Imagine learning a dance all week for no reason. I hope that they release the rehearsal run through or something, from the clips on ITT it looked really good and was gonna be a really technical Cha Cha."
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer on Saturday from 6.40pm
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