Amanda Abbington quit Strictly after a month (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Rumours surrounding Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice are continuing to swirl after Strictly Come Dancing.
The Sherlock actress, 51, and pro dancer, 33, were paired up for the latest series – won by Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – but Amanda announced she was quitting after just weeks.
This followed speculation the pair had fallen out amid a behind-the-scenes clash, which they both rubbished, but now, it as been reported that Amanda is seeking legal advice, while Giovanni has thanked fans for their support.
As reports of their ‘feud’ continue, let’s take a look back on why Amanda quit Strictly.
The actress pulled out of week four live shows due to ‘medical reasons’, and it was later confirmed she would not be returning.
Ahead of week five, a Strictly spokesperson 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 around Amanda and Giovanni’s ‘feud’ have been swirling (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
The actress is reportedly seeking legal advice (Picture: PA)
Amanda later addressed the news and cited ‘personal reasons’ for her departure.
She said in a statement posted on Instagram: ‘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 cited ‘personal reasons’ for her exit (Picture: amanda_abbington74)
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’
Her Strictly co-stars rushed to the comments to share their support, with Krishnan Guru-Murthy writing: ‘Sending lots of love – we miss you xxx.’
Krishnan’s dance partner Lauren Oakley added: ‘We will miss you. Lots and lots of love.’
Nancy Xu wrote ‘Sending you all the love,’ while Jowita Pryzstal commented: ‘Take care darling we will miss you! Sending lots of love.’
Following the shock news, Giovanni, who lifted the glitterball trophy with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, expressed his sadness over being unable to continue on the show, writing: ‘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.’
Giovanni was missed out of Amanda’s post announcing her exit (Picture: PA)
But fans noticed he had been left out of Amanda’s post in an apparent snub.
Shortly after pulling out of the live show, Amanda urged her followers to ‘be kind’, resharing a post that is reported to have said: ‘People don’t fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind’.
She later 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 also missed the Strictly final, and amid claims she was not invited by the BBC to take part in the final night performance, Metro.co.uk understand that it’s custom for celebrities who have withdrawn to not return for the final.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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Amanda quit the competition after a month.