31 October 2023 , 11:15
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Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has spoke out on Amanda Abbington's "disappointing exit".
The actress decided to quit the BBC dance competition last week due to "personal reasons" after missing the live show. She thanked the production team and "everyone on Strictly" in her statement shared on Instagram, but failed to mention her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice by name.
She explained: "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."
Amanda and Giovanni are no longer in the dance competition (PA)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." Strictly judge Craig has since spoken out on Amanda's departure from the show.
Writing in Best magazine, Craig said: "I was so sad to hear that Amanda Abbington had withdrawn from the competition. I couldn't wait to see her dance the cha-cha-cha alongside pro partner Giovanni Pernice... So I'm disappointed I won't get to see their future dances, but I enjoyed watching her Strictly journey and wish her all the best."
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Amanda was reportedly feeling "fed up" during the show. A source told the Daily Star: "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." Rumours had swirled that she wasn't getting on with her professional dance partner Giovanni, however Amanda's representatives hit back against the reported feud, deeming it untrue.
Giovanni addressed the pair's exit on social media by sharing a snap of himself and Amanda taken backstage during Movie Week. The 2021 winner 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." Amanda has since insisted she is "feeling good" as she broke her silence for the first time.
The Sherlock actress returned to host her show on Boogaloo radio and was asked how she was by co-host Sue Vincent. Sue told her colleague: "I am phenomenally proud of you! I cannot find the words to say how proud I am." Amanda responded, simply saying: "I'm good, I'm really good."
During Saturday's show Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also addressed Amanda's exit. Speaking at the top of the show, Claudia simply said: "Now earlier this week Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition. We are sending you all our love" as the whole audience applauded.