STRICTLY Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington has dealt the show a crushing blow ahead of the series finale.
The Sherlock actress, who was seen as a dark horse for the glitz before her shock exit for ‘personal reasons’, will not be appearing at this weekend’s show.
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Amanda Abbington will not appear in the Strictly finalCredit: PA
A spokesperson for the show told OK!: “Amanda has decided to withdraw from the competition, so she will not be returning to the final.”
Her professional partner Giovanni Pernice should be part of the ensemble.
The Italian dancer paid tribute to Amanda after her exit by sharing a picture of them cuddling up in Christmas jumpers on Instagram.
He wrote: “I’m so sad that we can’t continue but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I’m sending you so much love.”
However, Amanda did not mention him in her statement, leading fans to speculate that there was a rift between them.
She ended her Strictly story by sharing a picture of her worn-out dancing shoes and wrote: “It is with deep regret that I have had to leave Strictly. I have not taken this decision lightly or lightly, but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
“It was an absolute joy to work with my fellow competitors, they are a wonderful, hardworking 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 who have looked after me and are so kind and caring. They are a wonderful group of people and I will miss them all.
“I’m so sad I can’t go on. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Really. Thank you.”
On Sunday night, Annabel Croft became the latest celebrity to be eliminated, leaving Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams through to the final.
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Amanda and Giovanni Pernice’s partnership came under scrutiny following her breakupCredit: INSTAGRAM/AMANDA ABBINGTON
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