Amanda Abbington did not attend the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday night after quitting the competition early in the series.
The actress, 51, was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice but left in week five, citing medical reasons for her departure.
It was reported last month the actress had turned down her invitation to attend the final.
In Saturday’s final all the rest of the stars of the year’s series that had previously been eliminated came together to do a group dance and celebrate with the winner.
A source told The Mirror of why she wouldn’t be there: ‘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.
Amanda Abbington did not attend the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday night after quitting the competition early in the series
The actress, 51, was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice but left in week five, citing medical reasons for her departure
‘It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.’
The Strictly insider added her snub has been ‘difficult’ and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn’t want people to see it ‘as a reflection on him.’
They added whilst the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ Giovanni wishes her all the best.
The BBC declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
Yet while Amanda decided not to return for the final she sent a message of support to the three finalists.
Taking to Instagram Amanda shared a snap of the three finalist couples standing with the glitterball trophy as she wrote: ‘Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans.’
During her time on the show, reports emerged the actress clashed with Giovanni, 33.
Giovanni and Amanda, 49, 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.
In Saturday’s final all the rest of the stars of the year’s series that had previously been eliminated came together to do a group dance and celebrate with the winner (group dance pictured)
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing during Saturday’s final
A source told The Mirror of why she wouldn’t be there: ‘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’
Amanda quit after her time on the show was ‘plagued by difficulties’
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’.
It Takes Two 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 Mail Online: ‘This has been something that Amanda has been unfortunately having to consider making since late last week.
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’
While the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ Giovanni, 33, wished her all the best
‘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 later took to his Instagram to break his silence after the news broke, sharing a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week.
Captioning the snap, he wrote: ‘Amanda ..I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love’.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
