Why has Amanda Abbington left Strictly?

If you’re wondering: why has Amanda Abbington left Strictly, you’re not alone. 

After each weekend, fans are always eager to know who went out of Strictly last night and more facts about the judges’ private lives, like is Motsi Mabuse married? 

Now, the latest contestant to leave the show is Amanda Abbington, but it wasn’t down to the public vote.

Here’s what we know about why Amanda Abbington has left Strictly Come Dancing. 

Why has Amanda Abbington left Strictly? 

Amanda Abbington has left Strictly for good following her absence in last week’s show due to medical reasons. 

The news broke last night (23 October) on the show’s spin off It Takes Two, as former contestant and host Fleur East read a statement from the Strictly Come Dancing organisers:

“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.” 

Fleur then played a compilation of the Sherlock star’s best moments on the show and added: “Amanda, we are sending you all of our love.”

What has happened to Amanda Abbington? 

The 51-year-old actress had to miss last Saturday’s show – on 21 October – due to medical reasons, and was given a bye to the next round, along with partner Giovanni Pernice. 

The couple were expected to return the following week. 

A representative for the BBC1 programme said at the time: “Due to medical reasons, Amanda Abbington will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. 

“Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week.”

Strictly professional Giovanni posted a heartfelt tribute to his time with Amanda on Instagram, with a picture of the couple wearing Christmas-themed pyjamas. 

The caption read: “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 ♥️ @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly”.

Former contestants and fans of the show also commented to show their support, including Michelle Visage, Nadiya Bychkova and comedian Richard Franks. 

Does Amanda Abbington have any children? 

Amanda Abbington has two children – Joe, 17 and Grace, 15 – with actor Martin Freeman. 

Best known for her Mary Watson character on Sherlock, Amanda played Martin’s on-screen wife in the BBC series. 

Amanda and Martin reportedly met on the set of Men Only in 2000, and were in a 16-year long relationship, but the pair never married. 

The couple ended their relationship in 2016.

Think you know everything there is about the beloved BBC1 show? We bet there are 8 things you probably didn’t know about Strictly Come Dancing. Fancy a sneak peak into one of the judge’s lives behind the cameras? We reveal who Anton Du Beke’s wife is and whether he has kids.