Amanda Abbington has broken her silence after she reportedly chose not to return for the finale of the BBC show.
The actress, 51, who was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, quit the show back in October, citing ‘personal issues’ as a catalyst for her early exit.
While Amanda decided not to return for the final, which historically sees all the past contestants of the series gather together for one last number, she has sent a message of support to the three finalists.
Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams will battle it out alongside their respective partners Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola and Nikita Kuzmin to be crowned the winner on Saturday.
Taking to Instagram Amanda shared a snap of the three couples standing with the glitterball trophy as she wrote: ‘Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans.’
Amanda Abbington, 51, has broken her silence after ‘snubbing’ the Strictly Come Dancing final after her shock exit back in October
Taking to Instagram on Saturday the actress sent a message of support to the three finalist couples
BBC bosses were said to be keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there was ‘no bad blood’.
However a source told The Mirror that: ‘They [the BBC] 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.
‘It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.’
BBC declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
The publication added it has been ‘difficult’ and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn’t want people to see it ‘as a reflection on him.’
While the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ Giovanni wishes her all the best.
The Sherlock star left the show in week five, initially citing medical reasons before later revealing personal issues on Instagram.
Amanda withdrew from her performance, before it was revealed on the Monday after the weekend that she would not be returning.
The actress, 51, who was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, 33, quit the show back in October with heated rows between the pair were thought to be the reason for her shock departure
BBC bosses were said to be keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there was ‘no bad blood’ but that will not be the case
While the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ Giovanni, 33, wished her all the best
Amanda quit after her time on the show was ‘plagued by difficulties’
The actress noticeably snubbed the pro dancer from her exit statement which she posted on Instagram
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’
On an episode of It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s exit and released a statement that 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.’
A montage of Amanda’s best moments on the series was shown, before host Fleur East added: ‘Amanda we are sending you all of our love’.
A Strictly insider told MailOnline: ‘This has been something that Amanda has been unfortunately having to consider making since late last week.
‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn’t think there was any other option.
‘As hard as it has been, there was a chance they could have won.’
Giovanni and Amanda were said to have been at loggerheads for weeks, with screen star Amanda ‘left shaken’ by the pro’s ‘militant and aggressive’ training style.
The actress noticeably snubbed the pro dancer from her exit statement which she posted on Instagram.
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. 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’.
