BBC Strictlys Amanda Abbington snubs show after difficult decision to quit

Actress Amanda Abbington, known for her role in Mr Selfridge, has reportedly decided to skip the Strictly Come Dancing finale.

The 49 year old star, who was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 33, left the show last month and by reportedly missing the end-of-series celebrations, she's dashed any hopes of a final dance.

Amanda had to miss a week of Strictly due to health issues and shortly after, it was confirmed that she wouldn't be returning at all. She confessed that it was a "difficult decision to make".

Sources have told The Mirror that she won't be returning for the final, and it's reported Giovanni isn't too pleased about it. They said Gio doesn't want people to think it reflects badly on him.

Strictly bosses were reportedly hoping for Amanda to return with Giovanni to show there was no ill feeling between them. They added: "They wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda's response to the invitation was she'd not be back."

"It's a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year."

OK! contacted BBC and Amanda's representatives for comment.

The Sherlock actress left the show in week five, citing personal reasons for her departure.

The spin-off show It Takes Two announced: "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."

As a tribute, the show played a montage of Amanda's best moments on the series, with host Fleur East adding: "Amanda we are sending you all of our love."

An insider from Strictly told Mail Online: "This has been something that Amanda has been unfortunately having to consider making since late last week."

"It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn't think there was any other option."

"As hard as it has been, there was a chance they could have won."

After the news broke of Amanda's departure, Giovanni later took to his Instagram to break his silence sharing a backstage photo of them taken during Movie Week.

Captioning the photo, 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."

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