Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice ‘clashed at times’ (Picture: BBC)
Amanda Abbington is reportedly not planning on returning to Strictly Come Dancing for the final.
The Sherlock actress, 51, quit the series last month, after her absence from a live show due to ‘medical reasons’.
She later expressed ‘deep regret’ over the difficult decision, crediting her fellow contestants and those who looked after her on the show and were ‘so kind and caring’, while failing to address her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, reigniting rumours of a reported ‘feud’ between the pair, which she has previously rubbished.
After her exit, Amanda hinted that she felt ‘pushed over the edge’ warning people to ‘be kind’.
She said on her Boogaloo Radio show: ‘You don’t know what someone else is going through, you have no idea what’s going on in their life so before you say anything hateful and cruel just check yourself’.
She continued: ‘It takes so much more energy to be hateful, to be horrible, where you could just not say anything or say something positive.’
Amanda expressed ‘deep regret’ after quitting the series (Picture: PA)
It’s now been reported Amanda will not be returning to Strictly this series at all, including for a final dance with Giovanni as all the couples reunite at the end of the series.
A source said: ‘There have understandably been lots of questions asked about Amanda’s sudden departure.
‘That has been difficult – especially for Giovanni, who has been upset about people seeing it as a reflection on him.’
The insider continued to The Mirror that despite ‘clashing at times’ Giovanni wishes Amanda ‘all the best’.
Amanda will reportedly not be returning for the Strictly final (Picture: PA)
And although producers were keen to prove there was ‘no bad blood’ between the pair, Amanda rejected the invitation to return to the Strictly family one last time.
‘It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.’
Following the news that Amanda had quit the show, Giovanni shared a picture of himself with her backstage on the hit BBC show.
‘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,’ he simply wrote.
Amanda failed to acknowledge Giovanni in her statement after quitting (Picture: PA)
She later revealed why she had quit the BBC One competition, writing: ‘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.’
Amanda concluded: ‘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’
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night at 7.20pm on BBC One.
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‘Her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.’