Amanda Abbington has left Strictly Come Dancing as her time on the show was reportedly “plagued by difficulties”.

The 49-year-old Sherlock actress was absent from the BBC One dance shows this weekend for undisclosed medical reasons – and posted on X about her mental health after pulling out of Saturday’s (21.10.23) episode – but was expected to return for the Strictly Halloween special this Saturday.

However, on Monday (23.10.23) it was confirmed in the “Strictly” spin-off show “It Takes Two” that she would be leaving the show.

A Strictly spokesperson later issued a brief statement saying: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue with Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.

“The show wishes her all the best for the future.”

On Saturday night, 51-year-old Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman informed viewers of the absence of Amanda and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice: “As you may have noticed, Amanda and Giovanni are missing from the cast.

“For medical reasons, Amanda cannot perform this week.”

Claudia’s fellow presenter Tess Daly, 54, added: “Under the competition rules she has been given a bye and, if all goes well, will return to the ballroom next weekend.”

Last month it was reported that Amanda had clashed with her Italian dance partner Giovanni (33). According to The Sun newspaper, the actress apparently threatened to quit because the dance professional had a “militant” attitude towards training.

Following reports of a break-up, Giovanni said: “It’s a difficult process, especially for people who have never done Strictly before.”

On Saturday, Amanda shared a quote from the late actor and comedian Robin Williams, who ended his life in 2014 at the age of 63, in her Instagram stories before quickly deleting it.

The post read: “People don’t fake depression… they fake being fine. Remember that. Be kind.”

Fans are flooding social media with messages expressing how devastated they are over Amanda’s departure.

Monday’s BBC programme It Takes Two featured a montage of the actress’ best Strictly moments before presenter Fleur East, 35, said: “Amanda, we send you all our love.”

A Strictly insider told Mail Online after news of Amanda’s exit broke: ‘This is unfortunately something Amanda has been thinking about since the end of last week.

“It was a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties but she just felt there was no other option.

“As hard as it was, they could have won.”

Hours before news broke that Amanda was leaving Strictly, her escape partner Jonathan Goodwin, 43, who has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, shared a cryptic post about mental health on Instagram.

Alongside a picture of himself posing in front of the mirror, he said: “We can be so hard on ourselves… be our own worst critics… But before you judge yourself… make sure your mirror is clean.”