Strictly Come Dancing's head judge, Shirley Ballas, has called this series 'difficult' following Amanda Abbington's exit as she shared her thoughts on It Takes Two.
Sherlock actress Amanda left Strictly earlier this week, when Fleur East confirmed: "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."
Speaking on It Takes Two, Shirley shared her thoughts on the 2023 contestants as she said: "The class of 2023, the magic is always in the mix and the BBC definitely got the mix right this year didn't they?
"It's a very, very difficult series. Everybody is putting their best foot forward and everybody looks great."
She's not the first judge to address Amanda's exit as Anton Du Beke told This Morning host's Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary: "That was terribly sad. She was terrific, she could have made it all the way to the final. I thought she was very, very good."
As Alison said she could do it next year, Anton added: "Maybe she will come back."
sharing a heartfelt message on social media: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
"It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside."
"I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It's a wonderful bunch of people and I'll miss all of them. I'm so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."
Sharing a heartfelt message on social media following her exit earlier this week, Amanda wrote: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
"It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside."
"I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It's a wonderful bunch of people and I'll miss all of them. I'm so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."
Giovanni also shared a heartfelt message to Amanda on social media. He wrote: "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."
There have been rumours of tension between Giovanni and Amanda following her departure from the show. Despite this, Giovanni will continue to appear on the show as a professional dancer, just like the partners of the celebrities who have already left the show.
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