Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has hinted that Amanda Abbington could come back to the show after her decision to quit due to “personal reasons”.
Joining Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on This Morning, the judge spoke about how the show was going so far and said that it was “terribly sad” that she decided to step down. Watch the full video here…
Anton explained: “That’s terribly sad because, terrific! She could all the way to the final. I thought she was very, very strong.” Alison then replied: “Maybe she can do it another year, I don’t know,” to which Anton added: “Maybe she can come back.”
Despite Anton’s suggestion, it would be very unlikely for Amanda to return to the show after making it to week four of the competition. The only contestant ever to come back for a second year following injury was Jamie Laing, who injured his ankle before the competition started.
Amanda, an actress who is best known for her roles in Sherlock and Mr Selfridges, spoke about her decision to leave the show on Instagram in a statement which read: “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.”
Despite reports that there was a feud between Amanda and Giovanni, which was only heightened when Amanda didn’t name check him in her statement, her rep told Metro: “She was inclusive of everyone involved in the show who helped make her appearance not only happen, but a success. She loved everybody on the programme and did not want to leave anyone out. She is extremely grateful and wishes she could have continued. Health comes first always.”