Strictly: Amanda Abbington withdraws from the show
Strictly Come Dancing’s Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice have broken their silence amid reports the actress has declined the chance to return to the BBC show during tonight’s final. The 51-year-old actress took to Instagram to wish the remaining three celebrities and their pro partners all the best this morning but did not mention her own supposed absence.
She wrote to her 139,000 followers: “Good luck to these six beautiful humans tonight,” with a string of love heart emojis. EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, ex Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and West End star Layton Williams will battle it out for the Glitterball.
Amanda’s rumoured no-show will see her former partner, Sicilian-born pro, Giovanni, 33, dance alone alongside other professionals. After five weeks in the competition, the Sherlock star stepped back from competing.
The pair were set to go far in the contest after they performed sizzling routines and wowed the judges. Fans initially hoped that they would be back the following weekend, with bosses offering them the chance to return.
But Amanda later left the dance programme due to “medical reasons”, although rumours swirled that the pair had suffered rows behind the scenes.
READ MORE: Layton Williams slammed as a ‘limelight hogger’ by Esther Rantzen
The Italian native shared a video of himself performing on a past tour with fellow Strictly professional Lauren Oakley.
“We both so excited to show you what we are creating with the genius @alanburkitt for the new tour coming up in 2024!”(sic)
Don’t miss…
Sam Smith turns heads wearing phallic earring at charity toy drive with partner[EXCLUSIVE]
Victoria Beckham regrets boob job and hasn’t told Harper about cosmetic surgery[INSIGHT]
Monty Don ‘ruthlessly’ insists he has ‘no regrets’ after stealing wife from pal[LATEST]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
“I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.”
“I will miss seeing you every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
“It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.” She added: “I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further.”
“You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you.”
He was forced to quit the contest after breaking a rib just weeks before the final.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Final starts at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Source: Read Full Article
