Strictly Come Dancing stars who quit – from Amanda Abbington’s shock disappearance to celeb who became ‘a joke’
STRICTLY star Amanda Abbington shocked fans when she revealed that she had made the choice to leave the show last month.
But the actress isn’t the only famous face who has done so over the years.
The likes of MIC favourite Jamie Laing, footballer manager Tony Adams and athlete Jade Johnson have also done the same.
Let’s take a look at the famous faces who have had to quit the BBC competition…
AMANDA ABBINGTON
Amanda Abbington is the most recent star to leave the BBC dance competition.
She pulled out of the week 5 live shows for undisclosed medical reasons, and was scheduled to return the next week as per the rules of the competition.
The Sherlock actress, 49, was initially partnered with Giovanni Pernice on the ballroom show.
However just a week later she announced that she was permanently withdrawing from the competition.
It was heavily speculated she had clashed with her Italian dance partner earlier on in the competition.
Rumours intensified after many fans noticed that she refused to address the star in her departure post on social media.
TONY ADAMS
Former football manager Tony Adams was forced to withdraw from Strictly along with his professional partner Katya Jones.
This was after he sustained a hamstring injury on his original performance in series 20.
Speaking about his time on the BBC programme, he remarked: “It’s been emotional guys, I cried for the first month.
“I came in here with one message, if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help.
“Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process… I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough… but dancing is really fantastic for you.
“Go out there and enjoy it and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one [Katya] hadn’t I, she is an exceptional human being, she really is.”
NICOLA ADAMS
Former professional boxer Nicola Adams took part in the 2020 series of the primetime dancing show.
However she was axed from the competition after her dance partner Kata Jones tested positive from COVID-19.
Protocols in place at the time of the pandemic, which were outlined ahead of the previous instalment meant the couple had to withdraw.
Nicola addressed her sudden departure in a statement as she publicly thanked her partner.
She wrote: “Hey guys! I’m absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon.
“I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for! But I just want to say a huge thank you to Katya for being the best dance partner anyone could ask for.
“She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it’s been an incredible experience.
“I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help.”
She added: “I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help.”
WILL BAYLEY
Paralympian Will Bayley was part of the lineup of the 17th instalment of the hit dancing competition.
However in 2019, he had to pull out of the show after her suffered a knee injury.
In week six, it was announced he would not take to the dance floor due to an injury he sustained during his rehearsals.
At the time he was told that he “absolutely could not dance”, and he later had to pull out completely the following week.
On leaving the show, Will explained how disappointed he was whilst he thanked his professional partner, Janette Manrara.
He explained: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.”
“I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me and giving me the confidence to believe in myself. The things we achieved, from our Couple’s Choice dance through to the lifts in our Salsa, will stay with me forever.”
JIMMY TARBUCK
Jimmy was the first celebrity who was forced to withdraw from the competition in 2006.
At the time he said he was “absolutely devastated” after medical professionals advised him not to perform with his partner Flavia Cacace.
The BBC was supportive of his decision after his doctors advised that he should rest.
At the time he explained: “I really wanted to dance on the show this week but I have to take the advice of the doctors who have told me I need to rest.
“I would like to thank my wonderful partner Flavia who has taught me so much and been patient in trying to turn this old carthorse into a proper dancer! I will really miss training with her.”
JAMIE LAING
Made In Chelsea star Jamie, 35, was in the original line-up for Strictly series 17 in 2019.
However he had to withdraw from the competition before it had even started due to hurting his foot while training.
Jamie said: “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor. I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”
The reality star was replaced by Emmerdale legend Kevin Fletcher – who went on to win the show.
The following year Jamie returned and was paired with Karen Hauer.
The pair made it to the final week, but Strictly 2020 was won by Bill Bailey.
JADE JOHNSON
The athlete was part of Strictly series seven line-up.
Unfortunately her knee “popped” and she ended up missing two weeks of the show.
They later decided that she had to give up her place on the show.
Jade said: “I’m a competitor and I don’t give up easily so I’m absolutely gutted that it means that I can’t continue dancing in the show.
“I’ve had a great time and really enjoyed learning to dance, and I am going to miss training with Ian (Waite) who has been a fantastic partner.
“I’d like to thank all of the people at home who have been supporting me right the way through.”
KELLY BROOK
Model Kelly, 43, was part of the series five line-up in 2007.
The star was partnered with Brendan Cole and were doing well until she withdrew from the competition on 26 November.
Kelly’s decision came after her dad Kenneth sadly passed away from cancer.
“Kelly has done some training as she had hoped to continue with the show in his memory. However, understandably she has found it too difficult,” A BBC spokesperson said.
“Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time.”
JOHN SERGEANT
The journalist was paired with Kristina Rihanoff in 2008.
However he decided to hang up his dancing shows in week 10 after weeks of landing himself in the bottom two, but being constantly saved by the public.
WILL YOUNG
Singer Will danced with Karen Hauer in 2016.
But just four weeks in it was revealed that he had withdrawn from the competition.
At the time Will said: “I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come.”
He added: “I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television.
“Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.” He went on, saying that although he will be a viewer, he will “keeeep dancing!”