Strictly Come Dancing confirms if Amanda Abbington will appear at the final

Virgin Radio

14 Dec 2023, 10:36

With just days to go before the Strictly Come Dancing Final, the BBC have confirmed whether or not 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington will join her co-stars in celebrating the end of the series. 

As with every year, all eliminated contestants are welcomed back to witness the final three star dancers battle it out for the Glitterball trophy, with Layton Williams, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier set to hit the dance floor for the final trio of routines. 

While all previous 2023 contestants, including injured Nigel Harman who had to quit the series, are expected to return, actress Amanda will not be attending the final episode. 

A BBC spokesperson said (via Metro): “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final.”

The Sherlock actress left the series in October, with a Strictly spokesperson saying at the time: “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."

Amanda then shared what happened in a statement posted to Instagram, in which she shared her “deepest regrets” over having to leave the show. 

She wrote: “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.”

Meanwhile, actor Nigel will be there on the night, despite having to pull out of the competition just hours before the quarter finals. 

A spokesperson said at the time: "Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly."

The BBC confirmed that despite the injury, the West End star will return to see his co-stars take to the ballroom floor, with a spokesperson 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.”

All the stars who will be back at Strictly Come Dancing will see Layton Williams and pro-partner Nikita Kuzmin take on Bobby Brazier with Dianne Buswell and Ellie Leach with Vito Coppola for one last time, with each couple dancing a Favourite Dance, a Show Dance and a Judges’ Pick.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final will air live on Saturday 16th December at 7.00pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.