dancing on
STRICTLY Come Dancing's Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman addressed Amanda Abbington's exit live on air.
The Sherlock actress, 49, shocked fans earlier this week by announcing she had to the BBC competition.
3
3
It came after she missed last Saturday's show due to 'medical reasons' which were not revealed.
And now Claudia, 51, and Tess, 54, addressed her departure live on air.
As they opened this weekend's Halloween Strictly special, the pair wished Amanda the best.
They told viewers at home: "Now earlier this week Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition.
more on strictly
"We are sending you all our love."
The studio audience then erupted into applause for Amanda, who had been partnered with Giovanni.
In Amanda's statement on Instagram, fans noticed she did not mention her professional partner after it was reported he had a 'militant' attitude.
Alongside a snap of her gold dancing shoes, the TV star wrote a long essay in the caption, where she says she left the competition "due to personal reasons".
Most read in News TV
She said: "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."
She added: "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"
The Sun reported last month how Amanda and her Italian dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, had clashed — with the actress threatening to quit the show.
3
Topics