Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke said Amanda Abbington could have made it ‘all the way to the final’ as he reflected on the star’s shock exit from the show.
The professional dancer-turned-judge, 57, spoke out about the decision on This Morning with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on Wednesday.
On Monday it was confirmed that Sherlock star Amanda, 49, was leaving the show after she and pro partner Giovanni Pernice did not take part in Saturday’s episode.
Reflecting on the shake-up to the show, Anton branded the actress’s exit as ‘terribly sad’ and gushed about her potential as a dancer.
He said: ‘It’s terribly sad because she was terrific. She could have made it all the way to the final.
Shock exit: It was announced Sherlock star Amanda, 49, was leaving Strictly Come Dancing on Monday
Breaking silence: Dancer-turned-judge Anton branded Amanda’s exit as ‘terribly sad’
‘I thought she was very very strong.’
And on watching a video of her dancing with pro partner Giovanni Pernice, Anton could barely hold back his admiration for her skill, exclaiming: ‘Look at her! Look at her!’
On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s exit and released a statement that read: ‘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 Strictly insider told MailOnline about Amanda’s withdrawal: ‘This has been something that Amanda has been unfortunately having to consider making since late last week.
‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn’t think there was any other option. As hard as it has been, there was a chance they could have won.’
In a heartfelt post shared to Instagram the actress explained that she had withdrawn from the show for ‘personal reasons’ and she’s ‘sad’ not to be going any further.
Gushing: Anton was lavish in his praise for the star, stating she ‘could have gone all the way’ to the final
Statement: In a heartfelt post shared to Instagram the actress explained that she had withdrawn from the show for ‘personal reasons’ and she’s ‘sad’ not to be going any further
Out: Amanda and Giovanni didn’t 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 she quit the show
She thanked the ‘incredible production’ and said it was an ‘absolute joy’ working with her fellow contestants.
On his Instagram profile, Giovanni shared a photo of the couple backstage saying he was ‘sad’ they couldn’t continue but he was ‘proud’ of everything they have achieved.
Following seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting that this could be Giovanni’s last season performing with a celebrity partner.
One wrote: ‘I think this will be your last year… you have outgrown Strictly, and I think you know that.’
Another said: ‘I am devastated for you. I was supporting you both and voting. Will we still see you dance on Strictly next year?’
But sources close to Giovanni say that while those conversations won’t take place until 2024 that he isn’t even considering leaving the show.
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