Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared a message of support to Amanda Abbington following her sudden exit from the show.
Tess, 54, and Claudia, 51, teamed up once again as Strictly returned for its Halloween special during week six of the competition. Before the show officially kicked off, the duo addressed Amanda’s departure.
Claudia said: “Earlier this week Amanda withdrew from the competition. Amanda we are sending all our love,” as Tess nodded in agreement. On Monday (October 23), Daily Star exclusively revealed that the 51-year-old had quit the BBC series, with a source explaining that she was “fed up”.
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The insider added: “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.” Shortly after, the Sherlock actress confirmed her departure with a lengthy statement on Instagram.
(Image: BBC)
She wrote: “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.” Amanda added: “It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them. I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further.
(Image: BBC)
“Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx.” Amanda was partnered with Giovanni Pernice and rumours of a rift began swirling the pair in recent weeks, with many believing this contributed to her decision to quit.
An insider exclusively told Daily Star that the 33-year-old was “really annoyed” as Amanda didn’t warn him she was leaving the show. They said: “Amanda didn’t tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the show. The first he heard was a call from a producer.
(Image: BBC)
“This has really annoyed him. He’s barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening.
“He’s been complaining about it to friends. He’s frustrated.” Giovanni feared Amanda’s early exit would damage his reputation as the insider added: “He is worried the drama will be damaging for his career and make him look bad.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
