Strictly judge discusses 'difficult' series amid Amanda Abbington's exit

25 October 2023 , 18:53

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Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has discussed how 'difficult' this series has been amid Amanda Abbington's exit from the BBC show (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has labelled this series 'difficult' amid Amanda Abbington's exit.

Shirley appeared on It Takes Two this evening where she discussed all the different couples still on the BBC show. Whilst she failed to mention Amanda's exit specifically, she did give her view on the series as a whole.

Sherlock star Amanda quit the BBC show earlier this week with a statement posted on her social media. In her post, she wrote: "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.

Amanda and Giovanni did four dances on the show before her early exit (BBC)

"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. 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."

On It Takes Two tonight, Shirley gave her verdict on the 2023 contestants. Speaking about the series so far and what's to come, she said: "The class of 2023, the magic is always in the mix and the BBC definitely got the mix right this year didn't they? It's a very, very difficult series. Everybody is putting their best foot forward and everybody looks great."

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Giovanni posted a glowing message to Amanda on social media. He wrote: "I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly."

In a statement read out on It Takes Two earlier this week, Fleur confirmed the exit, sharing: "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.

There had been reports of frostiness between Giovanni and Amanda amid her exit from the show. Giovanni will still appear on the remainder of the show as a professional dancer like the partners of the celebrities that have already been axed from the show.

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Jasmine Allday