Amanda's cryptic Strictly posts in full - sweary 'feud' rant to sad reminder

25 October 2023 , 14:00

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Amanda's cryptic Strictly posts in full - sweary 'feud' rant to sad reminder

Amanda Abbington wowed Strictly Come Dancing judges and viewers in the first four weeks of the competition, but has sadly quit the BBC contest due to 'personal reasons', following her no-show on Saturday night. The Sherlock actress, who was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, confirmed the news of her shock exit in an Instagram post on Tuesday, sharing her sadness at being 'unable to go any further'.

"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," she wrote to her 138,000 followers. "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."

Amanda posted a poignant message on her Instagram on Saturday morning (instagram/ @amanda_abbington74)

She previously vented her frustrations about the reported feud with Giovanni (Instagram)

Amanda paid thanks to the "incredible production team and everyone on Strictly", though many noticed she failed to mention her partner Giovanni and avoided details about her withdrawal. Despite his absence on her post, Giovanni shared a gushing message to the actress later that day, with an adorable snap of the pair embracing in festive outfits. "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 wrote, alongside a heart emoji. At the time of writing, Amanda has yet to like or comment on the post.

It came after It Takes Two host Janette Manrara explained on Friday that the actress, 49, would be missing last weekend's show due to 'medical reasons', prompting Strictly viewers to question what was wrong. "We have some breaking news. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend," Janette said. The following morning, the mum-of-two shared a poignant message about depression with her Instagram followers, including a photo and quote from late actor Robin Williams, reminding people: "People don't fake depression... they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind."

Her fiancé posted a quote himself hours before her exit was announced on Monday (Instagram)

Giovanni shared this snap of them on Instagram but Amanda is yet to comment on it (giovannipernice/instagram)

Then during Monday night's It Takes Two, presenter Fleur East read a statement from a Strictly spokesperson that announced Amanda's sudden departure. "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," it read. Hours before, Amanda's fiancé, retired escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, published a cryptic message himself on social media as he posed in front of a mirror. He captioned the selfie: "We can be so hard on ourselves... be our own worst critics... But before you judge yourself... make sure your mirror is clean." That day, a source told the Daily Star that Amanda had been "fed up", adding: "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."

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Before then, rumours had swirled that Amanda wasn't getting on with Italian professional Giovanni. A source claimed to The Sun on September 22, ahead of the opening show, that Amanda was said to be miserable over Giovanni's "aggressive training style and attitude", with the actress allegedly finding rehearsals difficult despite wanting to work with him. They said: "Giovanni is a hard taskmaster and takes the competition very, very seriously. Sometimes his manner is incredibly brusque and this can upset his partners."

Amanda's representative hit back against the reported feud, seeming it untrue, and she took to Instagram on September 23 in a bid to silence the speculation surrounding the pair. Pulling a face at the camera, she said: "I'm wearing my jacket that says 'Who cares what other people think?'", adding: "Ignoring the bulls***, because clearly people are t****." And continued in a sweary rant: "Just stop it, stop it, grow up. No one gives a s***. Shut up, it's b****cks, so f*** off. You know who I'm talking to as well. Come on, jog on, it's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. It's all good."

In numerous poignant video messages on her Instagram prior to quitting, Amanda spoke about struggling with mental health issues and battling off social media trolls. On October 10, on World Mental Health Day, the actress shared a "shout out to everyone, there's a lot of us, that go through anxiety and depression and have a lot of things going on in our lives that we struggle with mentally and emotionally and that manifest itself physically". She added: "To everyone out there who might not feel strong enough, you are strong enough. Look after yourself and look after everyone around you."

It comes after the TV star previously opened up about her battle with depression following her split from co-star Martin Freeman, where things got so dark, she even contemplated ending it all. Speaking about the toll her 2016 breakup had on her mental health, the mum-of-two told the Full Disclosure podcast that she was a 'mess' and was left 'hating herself'.

Amanda went on to recall how after the split she was left feeling like she'd let people down and her mantra soon became "You could always kill yourself". She continued: "That was a genuine option for me, quite a few times in my life. Then I don't have to be this bad person because I don't have to be here anymore." Thankfully, her mental health improved after she received therapy and five years later, she became happily engaged to partner Jonathan.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected]

Nia Dalton