Amanda Abbington’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing has raised questions about the remaining episodes of the 2023 competition, and how the show will continue.
On Monday (23 October), it was announced that Sherlock star Abbington had “decided to withdraw from the competition”, days after missing Saturday (21 October) night’s live show due to “medical reasons”. Abbington has since released a statement on her exit from the series.
The actor, 49, and professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice had scored impressive marks throughout the series, and had been expected to go far in the competition.
Following Abbington’s unexpected exit from the series, some viewers had questioned how her departure would impact the remainder of Strictly 2023 and if this week’s elimination will be skipped over as a result.
In recent years, four celebrities have competed in the Strictly final, leading to one winner and three runners-up. With Abbington’s early departure, this format would not be possible unless a no-elimination week takes place in the coming months prior to the finale.
As a result of Abbington’s early withdrawal, this year’s Strictly final will feature just three celebrity couples. All being well with the rest of the cast, one couple will continue to be eliminated every week until the final on 16 December.
A similar pattern was followed in 2021, when Robert Webb was forced to pull out of Strictly’s 19th series due to a heart condition.
Abbington on ‘Strictly’ 2023— (BBC/Guy Levy)
In the end, three couples were scheduled to compete in the final, until AJ Odudu’s injury days before the live event meant she, too, was forced to drop out. The competition was won by Rose Ayling-Ellis, with John Whaite finishing in second place.
Following the announcement of Abbington’s departure from Strictly 2023, the stage actor was supported by her fellow celebrity contestants and their professional partners.
Italian dancer Pernice, 33, also sent love to his partner in the competition. “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,” he said.
Earlier in the series, Abbington shared a defiant message following rumours of a feud between her and Pernice.
“I’m wearing my jacket which says, ‘Who cares what other people think’ – because who does care what other people think? There’s a little life lesson,” she said.
Abbington later added: “It’s all fun and I am ignoring the b******s clearly because people are t***s. Just stop it, you know who you are.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday 28 October at 6.40pm on BBC One.
