Abbington exits BBC competition for personal reasons during Halloween Week

During Saturday night’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing, Claudia Winkleman expressed her heartfelt support for Amanda Abbington, telling the actress, “We are sending you all our love.” Abbington, who had been competing in the BBC One competition, confirmed on Monday’s It Takes Two that she would be leaving the show due to personal reasons.

In a post on Instagram, Abbington shared her regret at the decision: “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.” Her departure was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow competitors.

Meanwhile, Strictly’s Halloween Week kicked off with a dramatic performance by Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon and professional dancer Carlos Gu. The pair danced a Black Swan pasodoble to Swan Lake, earning high praise from the judges. Head judge Shirley Ballas praised their performance, saying, “You set the tone for the evening absolutely fabulously,” while Anton Du Beke called the drama “exquisite.” They scored 33 points for their performance.

Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas and his partner Luba Mushtuk followed with an American smooth to Perry Como’s Magic Moments. Thomas, dressed as a wizard, impressed the judges with his footwork. Du Beke described it as “lovely,” but Craig Revel Horwood, who was dressed as Professor Snape for Halloween, said it was “too sweet” for his liking. However, Oti Mabuse and Shirley Ballas both praised Thomas, with Ballas calling it one of his “much better performances.” The couple earned 32 points.

As the competition intensifies, Strictly continues to captivate viewers with its mix of spooky themes and show-stopping performances.