Strictly’s Amanda Abbington breaks her silence after ‘snubbing’ the show’s final… weeks after she quit the BBC competition
Amanda Abbington has broken her silence after reportedly choosing not to return for the BBC show's final.
The 51-year-old actress, who worked with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, quit the show in October, citing “personal issues” as the catalyst for her untimely departure.
Although Amanda decided not to return for the finale, which historically brings together all the series' contestants for one final song, she sent a message of support to the three finalists.
Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams will compete alongside their respective partners Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola and Nikita Kuzmin to be crowned the winner on Saturday.
On Instagram, Amanda shared a photo of the three couples standing by the glitterball trophy, writing: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful people.”
Amanda Abbington, 51, has broken her silence after 'turning down' the final of Strictly Come Dancing following her shock exit in October
On Saturday, the actress sent a message of support to the three finalist couples on Instagram
BBC bosses are keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there is 'no bad blood'.
Still, a source said The mirror That: 'They (the BBC) wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda's response to the invitation was that she wouldn't be back.
“It's a shame because her departure was a sour note in the series this year.”
BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
The publication added that it was “difficult” and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn't want people to see it “as a reflection on him.”
Although the pair have sometimes 'butted heads', Giovanni wishes her all the best.
The Sherlock star left the show in week five, initially citing medical reasons, before later revealing personal issues on Instagram.
Amanda pulled out of her performance before it was announced on the Monday after the weekend that she would not be returning.
The actress, 51, who teamed up with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, 33, quit the show in October, with heated arguments between the pair said to be the reason for her shock exit
BBC bosses would like Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there is 'no bad blood', but that won't be the case
Although the pair “butted heads” at times, Giovanni, 33, wished her all the best
Amanda quit after her time on the show was 'plagued with difficulties'
The actress noticeably dismissed the professional dancer from her exit statement she posted on Instagram
She wrote: 'It is with the utmost regret that I had to leave Strictly. “I have not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot move forward.”
On an episode of It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda's departure and released 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 montage of Amanda's best moments from the series was shown, before host Fleur East added: “Amanda, we're sending you all our love.”
A Strictly insider told MailOnline: '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.”
Giovanni and Amanda are said to have been at loggerheads for weeks, with film star Amanda 'affected' by the pro's 'militant and aggressive' training style.
The actress noticeably dismissed the professional dancer from her exit statement she posted on Instagram.
She wrote: 'It is with the utmost regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot move forward.
'It has been an absolute pleasure working with my fellow competitors, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and will miss seeing and competing together every Friday and Saturday.
'I would like to thank the amazing production team and everyone at Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. They are a great bunch of people and I will miss them all.
'I'm so sad that I can't continue. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all wonderful. Really. Thank you. xxx'.