Strictly Come Dancing star abruptly quits show after 'medical issues'

Amanda Abbington has quit Strictly Come Dancing after pulling out of Saturday's live show due to 'medical reasons.'

The news was confirmed on Monday night's edition of It Takes Two, with host Fleur East sharing an official statement from a Strictly spokesperson. It 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." 

Sending her support, Fleur went on to say: "Amanda, we are sending you all of our love."

HELLO! has reached out to Amanda's representatives for comment.

Amanda's absence at the weekend was announced during a segment on It Takes Two. Former Strictly pro Janette Manrara shared: "We have some breaking news, unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

"Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week. Amanda, we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes."

Strictly hostsClaudia Winkleman and Tess Daly also addressed Amanda's absence from the dancefloor as they opened the live show on Saturday.

"Now as you may have noticed Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the line-up. Due to medical reasons, Amanda is unable to perform this week," Claudia told the audience.

Tess went on to say: "As per the rules of the competition, she's been given a bye and all being well will return to the ballroom next weekend. Amanda, we are all sending you so much love."

Whilst it's not known exactly why Amanda has decided to withdraw from the BBC dancing competition, there have been growing reports of tension between the actress and her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice.

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Back in September The Sun reported that Amanda had threatened to quit the show following a series of rows between the pair.

At the time, Amanda issued a defiant response to the claims. Taking to Instagram in a video shared ahead of Saturday's live show, Amanda said she was "ignoring the [expletive]," adding: "Just stop it. You know who you are. Stop it, grow up. No one gives a [expletive] and shut up, it's [expletive].

"You know who I'm talking to as well, so come on, jog on. It's nonsense and you know it's nonsense."

The Sherlock actress further rubbished these rift claims during an appearance on It Takes Two.

When host Janette probed: "It honestly looks like you two are having the best time in rehearsals, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?" Amanda agreed and said: "Yeah we are, we are! We do and we laugh a lot, we have the same sense of humour which is really important. So we'll come out, work hard, and then we just laugh, don't we?"