Strictly Come Dancing fans spot 'missing' star from final group routine

16 December 2023 , 20:57

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Strictly Come Dancing fans spot 'missing' star from final group routine

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were quick to point out a 'missing' star from the final routine on Saturday night as the celebrities of the 2023 series reunited for one last performance.

Amanda Abbington, 51, pulled out of returning to the BBC show on Saturday night alongside professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice. The pro was reportedly "fuming" after the actress suddenly quit in October after "giving no warning".

Viewers were quick to spot Amanda missing on Saturday night as they took to Twitter, now X, to share their thoughts. One person said: "Just spotted that Nigel is there in the Clauditorium, even though he had to drop out before the end. And Amanda… isn’t. #Strictly", a different account put: "Any sign of Amanda? #Strictly" while another added: "Hmm Amanda has disappeared. No vt and no appearance in the group dance. #strictly #strictlycomedancing."

Elsewhere, one person said: "#strictly no Amanda then?" while another viewer joked: "So Amanda Abbington wasn’t in this years strictly obviously #strictly #StrictlyFinal." Taking to Instagram earlier on Saturday, Amanda shared a photo of this year's finalists - Coronation Street's Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin. She wrote: "Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans."

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were quick to point out a 'missing' star from the 2023 final routine on Saturday night (BBC)

However, despite the support, Amanda wasn't present on Saturday's final. A BBC spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror last week that Amanda wouldn't be returning, explaining: "Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final."

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Nigel Harman was also forced to pull out of the show early, however he was back on Saturday night with partner Katya Jones. A spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror: "Nigel Harman will be returning for the final of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday 16th December, he will be featured in the show alongside other 2023 cast members. He had to leave the competition early due to sustaining an injury, therefore will not be performing in the final."

Speaking following her exit two months ago, Amanda said that she had to withdraw due to "personal reasons" and thanked the production team and "everyone on Strictly" in her statement without mentioning professional dance partner Giovanni. Following her message to social media, Giovanni posted to Instagram to address his sadness after his time in the competition was cut short.

Amanda Abbington, 51, pulled out of returning to the BBC show on Saturday night alongside professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice (PA)

The pro was reportedly "fuming" after the actress suddenly quit in October after "giving no warning" (PA)

Taking to his Instagram at the time, Giovanni had shared a photo of the pair embracing while dressed in festive outfits and 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." A statement from the BBC had also been read out by It Takes Two host Fleur East, which read: "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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Olivia Wheeler