Dancing duo Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell have broken their silence on Amanda Abbington's exit from Strictly Come Dancing. As they joined Christine Lampard on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine, the pair were asked about their co-star's mysterious departure.
"We are gonna miss her a lot in the competition," replied Dianne. "I am still going to go to hers and have dinner," quipped Bobby. Voicing his support for Amanda, Bobby added: "She's so lovely, I am just glad she is doing what she wants."
Shortly after Bobby and Dianne's interview, Amanda released an official statement on Instagram, addressing her exit from the ballroom. "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," she began.
"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."
Following the announcement, fans raced to the comments to show their support for Amanda. "So sad… you were amazing! Sending best wishes x," wrote one. "Sending you so much love and light," added another.
Amanda's dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, has also reacted to the news on Instagram. Sharing a behind-the-scenes photo from their time on Strictly, 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 @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly."
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Amanda was absent from week five of the competition due to medical reasons but Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman had assured fans that, per the official rules, she would "get a bye and, all being well, would be able to return next week".
However, on Monday, it was confirmed by the BBC that Amanda had decided to withdraw from the competition completely. On Strictly's sister show, It Takes Two, Fleur East made the announcement and read out the official statement from a BBC 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."