Fans express shock at exit of Amanda Abbington from Strictly Come Dancing

Actress Amanda Abbington has received an outpouring of support after she withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing. 

The star, 49, withdrew on Monday evening after missing the weekend's live show for “medical reasons.” 

Fans expressed their shock and disappointment at her quitting the show - with some suggesting she could have been a finalist or even lifted the coveted glitterball trophy, with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice, 33. 

One fan, Tracy Adams, wrote: “I am so sorry to see Amanda Abbington leave strictly... wonderful dancer, fabulous actress and a strong person to voice her opinion in a world where you are bullied just for having one! I hope she gathers those around her close and walks back into the world even stronger!”

Another fan added: “We are so sorry that Amanda Abbington and @pernicegiovann1’s time on Strictly has come to an end but it’s important that Amanda puts her health first. You will be missed! Four beautiful dances and a very special partnership. Thanks for the magical memories.”

Another wrote: “I hope Amanda Abbington realises how many genuine supporters she has. You have been amazing on strictly. Sending much love and hope you get well soon.”

On Monday evening, presenter and singer Fleur East confirmed the Sherlock star had exited the show.

She read a statement which said: “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.”

A compilation of Abbington’s best moments on the dancing show was played before East added: “Amanda, we are sending you all of our love.”

It came after it was announced on Friday evening that Abbington would miss the Strictly live show on Saturday night but could “return the following week”.

Following the exit announcement, Pernice shared a picture of the pair wearing Christmas outfits on his Instagram.

The post 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.”

In her last appearance on the show, Abbington scored 31 for a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac, with judge Oti Mabuse saying she enjoyed that the couple took the time to show the “beauty of the movement”.

Abbington played Mary Watson in BBC series Sherlock and has appeared in other TV series that include Inside No 9, Mr Selfridge and After You’ve Gone.

Meanwhile, television executives confirmed that Strictly will continue as normal for the duration of the series with an elimination each week until the final.