Amanda Abbington admits she was ‘distraught’ over shock Strictly exit in new post after feud rumours
AMANDA Abbington has revealed she was “distraught” over her surprise exit from Strictly.
Today, the actress responded to show superfan Fred Morgan on Instagram after he told her that the exit had left him “truly distraught”.
Amanda shared the comment, which featured a picture of her old dancing shoes, on her story and added: “Thank you angel. So was I.”
The Sherlock star had emerged as a dark horse on the programme after a series of impressive performances on the dance floor with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
However, their time on the programme was marred by reports of feuding behind the scenes.
There was further scrutiny on the paring when it was reported Amanda didn’t tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the programme.
The Daily Star claimed that a producer told Gio only hours before the programme released its official announcement.
An insider told the paper: “Amanda didn’t tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the show. The first he heard was a call from a producer.
“This has really annoyed him. He’s barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening.
“He’s been complaining about it to friends. He’s frustrated.
“He is worried the drama will be damaging for his career and make him look bad.”
Amanda’s vague exit statement on Instagram did little to quell speculation.
She told her fans: “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.”