Strictly Come Dancing 2023’s most dramatic moments as the final looms: From Amanda Abbington and Nigel Harman quitting the show to THAT romance

The final of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is tonight, with fans eagerly waiting to see who will lift the Glitterball trophy.

The series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, will come to an end on Saturday after 13 weeks.

This years series had its fair share of dramatic moments, including Amanda Abbington and Nigel Harman quitting the show.

Meanwhile, a new romance between Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola blossomed through out the competition  

So, as Strictly fans count down to the grand final, here is a look-back at some of the most dramatic moments of the series so far… 

Amanda Abbington quit the show

Amanda pulled out of Strictly in October, citing personal reasons, and it is now reported that she will not attend the finale.

On Strictly, Amanda was partnered with pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice, and her decision has dashed hopes of a reunion and one final dance.

Amanda’s week five exit was confirmed in an episode of It Takes Two.

The show released a statement, saying: ‘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’.

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, sharing a backstage photo of himself 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’.

Heated rows between the pair were thought to be the reason for Amanda’s unexpected departure, which led to 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.’

The source admitted that the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ but insisted that Giovanni wishes Amanda all the best.

BBC bosses were said to be keen for her to reunite with Giovanni to prove that there was ‘no bad blood’.

The source added: ‘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.’

Les Dennis and Nancy Xu ‘clashed behind the scenes’ before shock elimination

Les and Nancy clashed behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing which led to their poor first performance.

The comedian, 69, and his professional dance partner, 32, became the first pair eliminated from the show when they failed to survive the dance off.

According to The Sun, Les and Nancy struggled to connect because the funnyman’s energy levels didn’t match that of Nancy’s.

A source said: ‘Les the entertainer may have charmed audiences with his style, but behind the scenes it was a vastly different story.

‘Les was often moody and erratic because he found the training a very draining process. He’s almost 70 so was knackered just two weeks in and this led to clashes with Nancy.

‘His mood didn’t match Nancy’s enthusiasm and positivity which created tension and discord in the studio.’

The insider added that Les would often lose his cool at the slightest mistake while Nancy was patient and encouraging.

The source further described them as ‘polar opposites’ and said they struggled to ‘gel’ which showed in their performance.

When they found themselves in the bottom two, Nancy admitted they had been through a lot of ‘challenges’ on the show.

She said: ‘It’s been a journey. This is such a short but a sweet journey. A lot of challenges we all know, but to see you (to Les) every day improve yourself. I respect you so, so much.’

Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola’s romance

Earlier this month, it was claimed Ellie and Vito been seeing each other for over a month.

The pair have been under the spotlight after being accused of faking their romance in order to help win votes, but a source close to Ellie revealed they have been together for a few weeks.

Things between the screen actress and the dancer are ‘genuine’ – a source told the Mirror.

Vito reportedly has visited Ellie’s home several times outside of training while she has confided in friends about her new relationship with him.

‘Initially, they were friendly but as the weeks went on, their relationship changed. Ellie has made it clear to friends how happy she is with Vito,’ said the friend.

‘She’s not the kind of person to fake something like that for votes. Putting on a showmance isn’t her style – what you see with her is what you get. When Ellie started Strictly, she was self-conscious and unsure. Now she’s radiating confidence, which is lovely.’

A second source detailed how the duo’s increasing closeness has become obvious not only backstage but also while promoting the show together.

They said: ‘Ellie and Vito have become so close that they’re often seen all over each other, and the chemistry is striking. The rumour they’re more than friends isn’t openly discussed, but it’s widely understood.’

Layton Williams was forced to hit back at trolls

Layton has often targeted by trolls for for his West End background and some claim that the celeb is a ‘professional dancer’ and that he has an ‘unfair’ advantage.

Layton recently took to X, formerly known as Twitter, urging harsh critics to ‘use their energy to shower with love’, rather than writing hurtful comments.

Layton has received heaps of praise for his incredible dances on the show but has also been torn down with hate.

Battling the trolls, Layton shared some sassy photos dressed in costume, which saw him perform the Salsa with Nikita.

Alongside the photos, he wrote: ‘Instead of coming at me with hateful comments, use your energy to shower your fave celeb with love instead. Pretty sure it will make us all feel much better!’

Layton has said previously that he seeks support from mental health professionals and currently has access to a counsellor on Strictly.

Nigel Harman ‘storming off’ Blackpool dancefloor

Nigel was filmed storming off the dancefloor after receiving a disappointing score for his performance in Blackpool.

The former EastEnders actor, 50, and his professional dance partner Katya’s routine to Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean A Thing left them second from bottom of the judges’ leaderboard, with a score of 31 points out of 40.

In a video shared to social media, Nigel is seen swiftly exiting the dancefloor, just seconds after the BBC cameras stopped shooting.

Katya appeared confused and briefly stood still before following, while other contestants happily danced and hugged.

The audience member who shared the video to Twitter also wrote: ‘Are #Strictly judges proud of themselves? Nigel’s been broken tonight, couldn’t even face the keep dancing once theme & cameras stopped. 

‘Taken away someone’s love of dance & confidence should not be what show is about.’

Nigel was forced to pull out of the competition

Nigel who had been taking part in the competition alongside professional partner Katya Jones , 34, was forced to pull out after trying to perform a stunt in rehearsals, which left him with a rib injury.

Following his exit it was reported how the star would often have ‘mood swings’ causing bad feelings amongst the staff backstage

A source told The Sun how the actor ‘takes himself very seriously’ as a performer and throws himself into his routines fully.

Going on to say: ‘So obviously he’s very emotional if things don’t go as he hoped. That often means that he can be like a bear with a sore head backstage.

‘Viewers got a glimpse of that when he received disappointing scores for their quickstep in Blackpool’.

Before adding: ‘The crew and pros on the show are like a close family and the celebrities are welcomed into that. 

‘But if someone upsets that long-standing dynamic it can create bad feeling’.

In response to the claims, a BBC source hit back by saying: ‘It is always sad when a contestant leaves the show, particularly when an injury is sustained.

‘Nigel will be well missed by those who have worked alongside him on the show and everyone wishes him the very best and looks forward to seeing him at the final on Saturday 16th December.’