Amanda Abbington breaks silence on shock Strictly exit saying she's 'so sad' to leave show

AMANDA Abbington has broken her silence on her shock decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress, 49, released a lengthy statement online after news of her dating broke last night – but made no mention of her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, 33.

Amanda Abbington has spoken openly about her departure

She was paired with Giovanni, but she didn’t mention him Credits: PA

Amanda shared a picture of her dancing shoesCredit: Instagram

She told fans today: “It is with deep regret that I have had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot continue.

“It was an absolute joy to work with my fellow competitors, they are a wonderful, hard working and talented group of people who I love and will miss seeing and competing with every Friday and Saturday.

“I want to thank the amazing production team and everyone on Strictly for looking after me and being so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful group of people and I will miss them all. I’m so sad that I can’t go on.

“Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx”

Last night presenter and singer Fleur East confirmed that the Sherlock star had exited the show.

She read a statement which read: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue with Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.

– Show wishes her all the best in the future.

A compilation of Amanda’s best moments from the dance show was played before Fleur added: “Amanda, we send you all our love.”

It came after it was announced on Friday night that Amanda would miss Strictly Live on Saturday night but could “return next week” alongside Giovanni.

At the time, according to the Mirror, the Sherlock star shared a quote from the late actor and comedian Robin Williams – but then deleted it.

The post appeared to read: “People don’t fake depression… they fake being fine. Remember that. Be kind.”

After her dating announcement, Gio shared a picture of the couple in Christmas outfits on his Instagram.

The post read: “Amanda … I’m so sad that we can’t continue but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m sending you so much love.”

The Sun reported last month that Amanda and her Italian dance partner Giovanni had fallen out – with the actress threatening to quit over the dance pro’s “militant” attitude towards training.

In her last appearance on the show, Amanda scored a 31 for Fleetwood Mac’s fast-paced foxtrot Everywhere, with judge Mabuse saying she enjoyed the pair taking time to show “the beauty of the movement”.

In the second week of Strictly, she wowed the judges with complex lifts and handstands when she shone in a glittering dress and performed a salsa to Gloria Estefan’s song with her partner Giovanni.

During film week, she scored 30 points for her “magical” Bridget Jones-inspired rumba to Gabrielle Out Of Reach.

Amanda played Mary Watson in the BBC series Sherlock and has appeared in other TV series including Inside No 9, Mr Selfridge and After You’ve Gone.