Strictly fans think they've worked out why Amanda Abbington really quit

24 October 2023 , 07:40

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Strictly fans think they've worked out why Amanda Abbington really quit

Strictly Come Dancing viewers think they have worked out the 'real' reason Amanda Abbington quit the BBC One dancing competition after the actress' shock exit was confirmed last night.

Amanda's professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, had been all smiles as he appeared on Strictly by himself over the weekend, a day after it was revealed his celebrity partner Amanda would not perform as planned in the live show. There was hope Amanda and Giovanni would return to the competition this weekend, but on It Takes Two, it was confirmed that the duo wouldn't be continuing in the competition.

Following the announcement, viewers have been putting their heads together to figure out why Amanda departed the series. Many have called into question her partnership with Giovanni and suggested the pair just "didn't click". It had been reported early in the series that the duo had clashed in the training room.

One user took to social media and said: "I figured this would happen when it was all kept quite ambiguous about why she was given a bye, plus there’s been radio silence on socials from her and Gio and I thought they would be posting if they were back in rehearsals."

Amanda recently quit the dance competition (PA)

Fans believe they figured out why she actually quit (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Another person wondered if it was due to her mental health, writing: "Honestly if it’s for mental health reasons I hope she gets better but I felt she was taking it all a bit too seriously and didn’t seem to be enjoying herself, I wonder if she just put too much pressure on herself and I do have a sneaking suspicion her and Gio didn’t click-neither of their faults it happens-but if you don’t jel with your pro I imagine it can be a very draining experience."

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One user wasn't too fussed and said: "Not bothered, but it’s going to be a 3-person final, right? I’d rather no one be eliminated this week while another added: "That's a shame. I hope she's all right. She was getting a lot of hate online so hopefully, this news isn't met with more hate."

Are you sad to see Amanda and Giovanni leave Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Host Fleur East announced Amanda's exit on It Takes Two. She 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." Fleur then showed Amanda and Giovanni's best bits on the show, before sending her own well wishes to the actress.

Giovanni later broke his silence by posting a backstage snap of the two wearing pyjamas during rehearsals. He wrote: "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," before tagging her account and Strictly's account.

Amanda's absence was addressed on the live show on Saturday night, with Strictly host Claudia Winkleman telling viewers: "Now as you may have noticed Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the line-up. Due to medical reasons, Amanda is unable to perform this week." Claudia's co-host Tess added: "As per the rules of the competition, she's been given a bye and all being well will return to the ballroom next weekend. Amanda, we are all sending you so much love."

Weeks before she quit, rumours spread that she and Giovanni didn't get along. It was reported that she threatened to quit the show after a number of rows with him. She was reportedly left feeling miserable over Giovanni's "aggressive training style and attitude" during their training sessions.

She later seemingly hit back at the claims by calling it 'bulls***' in an expletive-filled rant. She said: "Ignoring the bulls***, because clearly people are t****." She also said: "Just stop it, stop it, grow up. No one gives a s***. Shut up, it's b****cks, so f*** off."

Zara Woodcock