Strictly Come Dancing’s Amanda Abbington ‘wasn’t invited back to the series final by show bosses’ after her sudden departure… as she insists she’s ‘really distraught’ she hasn’t taken part

Amanda Abbington was reportedly not invited by show bosses to perform at the Strictly Come Dancing final.

The actress, 51, was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernici, 33, for this year’s series but suddenly left the show in October due to ‘personal reasons’.

While all of the 2023 contestants who were eliminated from the show returned together for a final appearance during the series finale earlier this month, Amanda was noticeably absent.

A show source said The sun: ‘There was a lot of talk on set about Amanda’s notable absence from the finale.

‘It seemed unfair that Nigel was invited back and she wasn’t.

‘I imagine she was upset by the criticism as it would have been nice to see her come back for one last dance, especially as she was so popular on the show and loved by the viewers.’

MailOnline has contacted the BBC and a representative for Amanda for comment.

It comes after Amanda revealed she was ‘really distraught’ by her sudden departure from Strictly.

The star quit the show in October, citing “personal issues” as the catalyst for her early departure.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Amanda opened up about her premature departure, just weeks after failing to return for the group dance in the final.

Amanda reposted a fan’s comment on her Instagram Stories. The Strictly viewer wrote: ‘I was absolutely distraught by her sudden departure from the show.’

The Sherlock star added her own caption: “Thank you angel. That’s how I was.’

Amanda did not return for the finale, which sees the series’ previous participants reunite for one final song.

But she did send a message of support to the three finalists on Instagram. Amanda shared a photo of the three couples standing with the glitterball trophy and wrote: “Good luck tonight to these six beautiful people.”

BBC bosses are keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there is ‘no bad blood’.

Still, a source said The mirror That: ‘She [the BBC] wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda’s response to the invitation was that she wouldn’t be returning.

“It’s a shame because her departure was a sour note in the series this year.”

BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.

The publication added that it was “difficult” and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn’t want people to see it “as a reflection on him.”

Although the pair have sometimes ‘butted heads’, Giovanni wishes her all the best.

The Sherlock star left the show in week five, initially citing medical reasons, before later revealing personal issues on Instagram.

Amanda pulled out of her performance before it was announced on the Monday after the weekend that she would not be returning.

On an episode of It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s departure and released a statement saying: ‘Amanda Abbington cannot continue on 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 from the series was shown, before host Fleur East added: “Amanda, we’re sending you all our love.”

A Strictly insider told MailOnline: ‘This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.

‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties, but she just didn’t think there was any other option.

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

Giovanni and Amanda are said to have been at loggerheads for weeks, with film star Amanda ‘affected’ by the pro’s ‘militant and aggressive’ training style.

The actress noticeably dismissed the professional dancer from her exit statement she posted on Instagram.

She wrote: ‘It is with the utmost regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot move forward.

‘It has been an absolute pleasure working with my fellow competitors, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and will miss seeing and competing together every Friday and Saturday.

‘I would like to thank the amazing production team and everyone at Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. They are a great bunch of people and I will miss them all.

‘I’m so sad that I can’t continue. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all wonderful. Really. Thank you. xxx’.