Strictly judge Anton Du Beke says Amanda Abbington ‘could have made it all the way to the final’ as he reflects on her shock exit
Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke said Amanda Abbington could have ‘totally made it to the final’ as he reflected on the star’s shock departure from the show.
The professional dancer turned judge, 57, spoke to Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary about the decision on This Morning on Wednesday.
It was confirmed on Monday that Sherlock star Amanda, 49, left the show after she and pro partner Giovanni Pernice did not take part in Saturday’s episode.
Reflecting on the show’s turmoil, Anton branded the actress’ departure as “terribly sad” and spoke about her potential as a dancer.
He said: ‘It’s terribly sad because she was amazing. She could have made it all the way to the final.
Shock exit: It was announced that Sherlock star Amanda, 49, would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing on Monday
Breaking the silence: Dancer and judge Anton labeled Amanda’s departure as ‘terribly sad’
“I thought she was very, very strong.”
And when Anton watched a video of her dancing with professional partner Giovanni Pernice, Anton could barely contain his admiration for her skill and exclaimed, “Look at her! Look at her!’
On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s departure, releasing a statement saying: ‘Amanda Abbington cannot continue on Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
A Strictly insider told MailOnline of Amanda’s withdrawal: ‘This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.
‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties, but she just didn’t think there was any other option. As hard as it was, there was a chance they could have won.”
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the actress explained that she had withdrawn from the show for “personal reasons” and is “sad” not to continue.
Gushing: Anton was effusive in his praise for the star, saying she ‘could have gone all the way’ to the final
Statement: In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, the actress explained that she had withdrawn from the show for “personal reasons” and that she is “sad” not to continue
Out: Amanda and Giovanni did not dance on Saturday night, citing ‘medical reasons’ for her absence from the show
Sweet message: Amanda’s professional partner on Strictly Come Dancing Giovanni has broken his silence after leaving the show
She thanked the “incredible production” and said it was an “absolute pleasure” working with her fellow contestants.
On his Instagram profile, Giovanni shared a photo of the couple backstage and said he was “sad” that they couldn’t continue, but that he was “proud” of everything they have achieved.
After seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting this could be Giovanni’s last season appearing with a celebrity partner.
One wrote: ‘I think this is your last year… you’ve outgrown Strictly and I think you know it.’
Another said: ‘I’m devastated for you. I supported you both and voted. Will we see you dancing on Strictly next year?’
But sources close to Giovanni say that while these talks won’t happen until 2024, he isn’t even considering leaving the show.