Amanda Abbington, who dramatically quit Strictly Come Dancing last month, is said to be skipping the finale.
The actress, 51, who was partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, has reportedly decided not to return, dashing hopes of a reunion and one final dance.
Heated rows between the pair were thought to be the reason for Amanda’s shock departure, which has led onto a lot of unanswered questions.
A source told The Mirror it has been ‘difficult’ and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn’t want people to see it ‘as a reflection on him.’
They added that whilst the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ Giovanni wishes her all the best.
No return: Actress Amanda Abbington, who dramatically quit Strictly Come Dancing last month, is reportedly skipping the finale and won’t be returning
Sad: A source said it has been ‘difficult’ and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn’t want people to see it ‘as a reflection on him’
BBC bosses were said to be keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there was ‘no bad blood’.
The source said: ‘They wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda’s response to the invitation was she’d not be back.
‘It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.’
BBC declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
The Sherlock star left the show in week five, initially citing medical reasons before later revealing personal issues on Instagram.
During Monday’s episode of 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 montage of Amanda’s best moments on the series was shown, before host Fleur East added: ‘Amanda we are sending you all of our love’.
All over: Amanda Abbington quit Strictly Come Dancing after her time on the show was ‘plagued by difficulties’ (Amanda pictured with partner Giovanni Pernice on the show)
Tribute: Giovanni later took to his Instagram to break his silence after the news broke, sharing a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week
Gutted: Captioning the snap, he wrote: ‘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’
A Strictly insider told Mail Online: ‘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.’
Giovanni later took to his Instagram to break his silence after the news broke, sharing a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week.
Captioning the snap, he wrote: ‘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’.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’