Strictly hosts Tess and Claudia address Amanda Abbington exit moments into show

28 October 2023 , 17:52

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Strictly hosts Tess and Claudia address Amanda Abbington exit moments into show

Amanda Abbington was honoured by the cast of Strictly Come Dancing tonight after quitting the show.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman led a tribute to Amanda, who stepped down from the show earlier this week due to personal reasons. She released a lengthy Instagram statement earlier in the week to say she had to step down from the show for her own reasons after missing the previous weekend due to medical reasons.

Tonight, as the show got underway, Tess and Claudia announced that Amanda was not returning to the show and wished her well. They said: "Now earlier this week Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition. We are sending you all our love" as the whole audience applauded.

Amanda quit the show earlier this week (BBC)

In her statement earlier this week, Amanda left fans puzzled when she failed to mention her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, but praised the whole team at Strictly for their love and support. She wrote at the time: "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."

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Concluding her post, she wrote: "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."

In contrast, Giovanni posted a gushing tribute to Amanda as he spoke of his disappointment that they couldn't continue on the show. He wrote to his thousands of followers: "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 @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly," as fans rushed to send their love.

Reports have suggested there was a feud between Amanda and Giovanni as she struggled with his training style. Earlier this week, Strictly bosses confirmed Amanda was quitting with a statement read out by Fleur East on It Takes Two. Reading out the statement from the show, the TV host and former contestant 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."

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Jasmine Allday