Why did Amanda Abbington leave Strictly Come Dancing?

Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington announced she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing this week, taking to social media to share an extended statement. Now, a report claims to know the reason why she left.

On Instagram, the 49-year-old shared a picture of her dancing shoes along with the caption, "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"

Notably, Amanda didn't acknowledge her dance partner Giovanni Pernice in her statement, though he did share a post of his own, adding, "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 ♥️"

Now, a source at The Telegraph claims the pair struggled to get on during their Strictly training, with Giovanni setting high expectations for the actor. According to The Telegraph, "From the very beginning they weren’t gelling. Obviously they were putting a brave face on it, but the issue was clearly not being solved.

"He was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn’t very well, that wouldn’t have helped. She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn’t cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there’s something else going on I don’t know.”

The pair previously shut down any rift rumours on Instagram, with Amanda sharing a Story explaining that she was "ignoring the bull****, because clearly people are t****... Just stop it, stop it, grow up.... Come on, jog on, it's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. It's all good."

Giovanni also addressed the claims, posting on Instagram: "I usually don't say those things early (as everybody know) but I'm extremely proud of you [Amanda] and I can't wait for people to watch we have created."

The pair also made an appearance on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, insisting they were getting on like a house on fire. So hey, maybe no feud after all.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One.

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