I'm sure we're all beyond stoked to tune in to the long-awaited Strictly Come Dancing final set to grace our screens next month (16 December).
However, it seems not everyone is as eager as Amanda Abbington has reportedly revealed she won't be attending the final which sees all prior contestants reunite one last time for a final boogie on the dance floor together, according to sources.
The programme confirmed Amanda's departure last month (23 October) in an Instagram statement 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."
Amanda herself took to Instagram a day later (24 October) to share a message to her fans confirming her departure from the BBC show after she missed her last performance the previous Saturday (21 October) reportedly due to 'medical reasons'.
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The Sherlock star captioned a photo of a pair of gold high heels which read: "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."
The 51-year-old actor continued: "It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.
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"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."
She concluded: "You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."
While many hoped to catch her at the final, a source has since told The Mirror that Amanda, who was partnered up pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, would not be coming back.
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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.
"Though they clashed at times, he genuinely wishes her all the best."
BBC producers were allegedly keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there was 'no bad blood' between them, adding: "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.
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"It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year."
Amanda herself, however, has not publicly confirmed such reports.
Tyla has reached out to both Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice's representatives.
The BBC declined to comment on the matter.
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, BBC, Celebrity, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle