Amanda Abbingdon has released a social media statement following her decision to withdraw from the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 competition.
The news was first announced on the Strictly: It Takes Two spin-off series, with a spokesperson saying: “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."
At the time, it was unclear why Amanda had decided to step down from the competition, but now she has spoken about the decision on her official social media channels.
The Sherlock star issued a longer statement citing "personal reasons" for her decision to leave the competition, where she was partnered with professional Giovanni Pernice.
Taking to Instagram, Amanda shared a photo of her dancing shoes and 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."
She went on to thank those she worked with, saying: "I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. 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. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx"
Following Amanda's departure, ten couples remain in the competition. The celebrities and professionals will be fighting for the coveted glitterball trophy, hoping to join the all-important Strictly Come Dancing winners list.
The competition continues on Saturday with the fan favourite Halloween Week, where they'll aim to impress the judges as well as the viewers at home and hopefully, there'll be some spooky surprises along the way.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, October 28 at 6:40 pm on BBC One, with episodes also available on iPlayer.
