11 November 2023 , 19:22
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Actress Amanda Abbington is set to snub the Strictly finale.
Bosses had hoped the Sherlock star – who quit the show last month – would return for the final when all the contestants reunite for one last dance. But a source revealed Amanda, who was paired with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, would not be back.
The pair were rumoured to have had blazing rows during rehearsals, which caused Amanda to quit the show. The source said: “There have understandably been lots of questions asked about Amanda’s sudden departure. That has been difficult – especially for Giovanni, who has been upset about people seeing it as a reflection on him.
Amanda with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly (BBC)“Though they clashed at times, he genuinely wishes her all the best.” Producers were said to be keen for Amanda, 51, to reunite with Giovanni to show there was “no bad blood”. The source added: “They wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda’s response to the invitation was she’d not be back.
“It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.” Amanda dropped out of the BBC show in week five, citing medical reasons, and was waved through to the next round. But days later, she announced she was quitting the show. Amanda wrote on Instagram she was “unable” to continue due to personal reasons.
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Her exit came weeks after it was reported she had threatened to quit following rows with Giovanni, 33. The pair were said to be at loggerheads behind the scenes, though both put on brave faces for the camera. It is also understood that Amanda was left upset by social media remarks about her daughter Grace, 15, who trolls accused of looking “disinterested” in the Strictly audience.
The source added: “That was very hard for Amanda. She doesn’t care too much about what people say about her, but it’s different when it’s her children. That was not the reason she decided to quit, but it certainly didn’t help.” A BBC spokeswoman declined to comment.