Strictly Come Dancing fans were surprised to hear that Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice had left the competition early after Amanda pulled out of the show for "personal reasons". Since the show usually operates with one couple leaving the show per week until there are four couples competing in the finale, what will the star’s untimely exit mean for the future of the show, and will there be a week where no one goes home? Find out here…
Despite only ten couples instead of 11 left in the competition, the show will still see one couple leave the show a week before the finale. However, instead of there being four couples competing in the finale for the Glitter Ball trophy, HELLO! understands that there will only be three this year to make up for the fewer contestants.
This isn’t the first time that this has happened, as in 2021 the finalists were John Whaite and Rose Ayling-Ellis after two contestants, Robert Webb and AJ Odudu, withdrew for health and injury reasons respectively throughout the course of the competition.
Amanda released a statement confirming her decision to exit the show after being absent for medical reasons during week five. Sharing a photo of her dancing shoes, she wrote: "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. 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."
Giovanni also shared a tribute to his time on the show with Amanda on Instagram, writing: "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."
The remaining contestants are Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu, Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima, Nigel Harmon and Katya Jones, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, Annabel Croft and Johannes Radabe, Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, Krishnan Guru-Murphy and Lauren Oakley and Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington. Who are you rooting for to take the Glitter Ball trophy home?