24 October 2023 , 09:30
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Amanda Abbington's final performance on Strictly Come Dancing involved some odd comments from the judges and the Sherlock star's dance partner expressing a desire to remain in the competition.
Fleur East announced Amanda's exit from the BBC series on It Takes Two on Monday night, with a Strictly spokesperson going on to release a statement saying: "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."
Giovanni Pernice, Amanda's partner, was quick to send "so much love" to the mum-of-two following her decision to walk away from the competition was revealed. Amanda's exit means Giovanni, who lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021, is also out of the running to be crowned Strictly champion once again.
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice's last live Strictly performance took place on October 14 (PA)
The two stars danced to a Fleetwood Mac tune and attracted some odd comments from the judges (BBC/Guy Levy)The Italian dancer, 33, was keen to continue his journey with Amanda during their last appearance on the BBC show on October 14, with the Strictly professional performing a Foxtrot to Fleetwood Mac song To Everywhere with the Mr Selfridge actress and attracting praise from the judges.
Motsi Mabuse told Amanda and Giovanni "you two never disappoint" when delivering her feedback following their performance, with head judge Shirley Ballas adding: "How lovely, well done." Anton Du Beke was slightly more animated with his critique, telling Amanda: "It's all so good, it's amazing, but halfway through you stop breathing and I can see your eyes start to well up. Please breathe - any breath will do. Please breathe - BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE. Just remember, breathe!" Craig Revel Horwood told the couple "it's a little dressage" as he told the booing audience not to bother booing if they "can't do it properly."
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Speaking with host Claudia Winkleman after receiving the "high praise" from the judges, Giovanni said he was "beyond proud" of his celebrity dance partner and admitted he agreed with Anton's comments, telling Amanda: "We have to breathe a little bit but we have time to do that."
Claudia then told viewers that Amanda was a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, with the actress saying she would buy their album Rumours for Giovanni to listen to. At this point Giovanni looked awkward and attempted to make a joke of shrugging off Amanda's request.
Giovanni seemed to think he had 'more time' on the BBC show with Amanda (BBC)For what would become their final performance on Strictly together, Amanda and Giovanni received a score of 31 out of a possible 40 from the judges and went on to make it through to the next round. Comedian Eddie Kadi and Paralympian Jody Cundy found themselves in the dance-off that week, with Jody becoming the third celebrity to leave the competition.
Fleur East announced Amanda's shock exit from Strictly on It Takes Two on Monday night, with a spokesperson for the BBC series going on to add: "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."
Amanda is yet to speak out about her decision to withdraw from this year’s season of Strictly, after missing last weekend’s live show due to medical reasons but granted a bye to Halloween week. On Friday, It Takes Two host Janette Manrara told viewers of Strictly’s sister show: "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!"
A representative for Strictly added to the Mirror in a further statement: "Due to medical reasons Amanda Abbington 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's exit was announced on Monday night, with PA news agency going on to confirm: "The 21st series of Strictly will continue as normal with a couple being voted off each week following a dance-off in front of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke."