10 celebrities who quit Strictly Come Dancing amid Amanda Abbington’s shock exit

Strictly Come Dancing has never shied away from controversy, and there has been plenty of tangos, tens and tears in its 19-year history! However, through the ups and downs, the BBC show has seen ten celebrities leave the dance floor, including Amanda Abbington, whose departure was announced following “medical problems”. 

Over the years, celebrities have suffered various injuries which has meant they could no longer take part. There have been others who have had to pull out of the show for other reasons. We take a look at the stars who have bid farewell to their Strictly dream…

Amanda Abbington – series 21

Amanda Abbington pulled out of the competition for “personal reasons”. Her exit came after she was forced to drop out of Saturday’s live show due to “medical reasons”.

A statement from the BBC 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.”

Taking to Instagram following the announcement, Amanda, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice, penned an emotional message: “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.

“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. I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.”

“I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. Xxx.”

Tony Adams – series 20

Tony Adams left the show after sustaining an injury. 

Speaking about his time on the show, he explained: “It’s been emotional guys, I cried for the first month. I came in here with one message, if you’ve got an issue with mental health then please don’t suffer in silence and reach out for help.

“Little did I know that I was going to learn a lot about myself in the process… I’ve got to be honest, it’s tough, physically it’s really tough… but dancing is really fantastic for you. Go out there and enjoy it and pick up new skills and explore. I suppose I had better mention this one [Katya] hadn’t I, she is an exceptional human being, she really is.”

Nicola Adams – series 18

Nicola was axed from Strictly in 2020. The decision came after her dance partner, professional dancer Katya Jones, tested positive for COVID-19. As part of the protocols outlined ahead of the previous series, this sadly meant that the couple were no longer able to take part in the competition. 

In a statement, Nicola said: “Hey guys! I’m absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon. I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for! But I just want to say a huge thank you to Katya for being the best dance partner anyone could ask for. She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it’s been an incredible experience.

“I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help. I’m gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I’m doing what I can to help.”

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Will Bayley – series 17

Paralympic gold medallist Will Bayley sadly had to pull out of the BBC ballroom competition in 2019 after suffering a knee injury. During week six of the competition, it was announced that Will would not be performing due to suffering an injury during rehearsals, and being told he “absolutely could not dance”. The following week it was then announced that the athlete had to pull out of the competition completely.

On leaving the show, Will expressed his disappointment, saying: “I’m gutted my Strictly journey has had to come to an end. I’ve loved being part of the show, and am so grateful for the phenomenal support we have received.” He continued: “I want to say a special thank you to Janette for believing in me and giving me the confidence to believe in myself. The things we achieved, from our Couple’s Choice dance through to the lifts in our Salsa, will stay with me forever.”

Jamie Laing – series 17

Jamie suffered a foot injury during rehearsals for the launch show meant that he never took to the dancefloor to compete in the ballroom competition. At the time, the Made in Chelsea star expressed his sadness at having to pull out of Strictly before it had begun, stating: “I’m absolutely devastated that I’m unable to continue in the competition, I was so excited to hit the dance floor. I would like to wish the lovely couples all the very best and hope they enjoy their time on the show to the fullest.”

Jamie was replaced by Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who went on to win the show with partner Oti Mabuse. On the news of his replacement, the star offered Kelvin some words of encouragement. “You are going to rock the dancefloor,” said Jamie. “I can’t wait. Plus you have Oti [Mabuse] so kill it, good luck.”

In 2020, the reality TV star was given a second chance and sailed through to the final week with his partner, Karen Hauer, but missed out on the trophy to Bill Bailey.

Will Young – series 14

Will Young surprised fans when, after finishing fourth on the leaderboard, he announced that he was quitting the show. The Leave Right Now singer thanked his professional dance partner Karen for the “wonderful” experience, saying: “I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come.”

He added: “I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television. Strictly truly is the most unique family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.” He went on, saying that although he will be a viewer, he will “keeeep dancing!”

READ: How much are the celebrities paid on Strictly Come Dancing?

Kelly Brook – series 5

The model sadly pulled out of the show after her father Kenneth, who was terminally ill with cancer, passed away in 2007. Kelly said she wanted to remain in the competition because it was what her dad would have wanted, but after struggling in rehearsals, she made the decision to quit.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Kelly has done some training as she had hoped to continue with the show in his memory. However, understandably she has found it too difficult. 

“Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time.”

John Sergeant – series 6

The TV presenter bowed out of the competition in 2008, saying that winning would have been “a joke too far“. John, who was paired with Kristina Rihanoff, said that dancing on the show was “a wonderfully enjoyable thing” but he knew that it was his time to step down.

The political journalist had consistently appeared at the bottom of the leaderboard, receiving much criticism from judges, but the public kept voting to keep him in. “It’s like when you decide when you leave a party, and the time to leave a party is before the fight starts, and I think that’s really what’s happened on this occasion,” said John.

Jade Johnson – series 7

Great Britain long jumper Jade had to pull out of Strictly in 2009 after suffering a knee injury during rehearsals. The athlete had missed one week of live shows when she made the decision to withdraw from the competition entirely. “It’s very emotional,” said Jade, who said that her knee “popped” during a practice for the show.

“Just sitting here is really hard for me. The knee is quite sore.” She later claimed that the competition robbed her of a place in Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. “Strictly has cost me my place in the ­Olympics,” she said. “I thought the show injury had healed and I was ready to compete. Sadly it flared up just before the trials and made it ­impossible to get through them.”

Jimmy Tarbuck – series 4

Jimmy, who was partnered with Flavia Cacace, had to exit the show in 2006 after doctors advised him to rest. The BBC supported his decision for the good of Jimmy’s health. The comedian, who was in his sixties at the time, said that he was “absolutely devastated”.

“I really wanted to dance on the show this week but I have to take the advice of the doctors who have told me I need to rest,” he said. “I would like to thank my wonderful partner Flavia who has taught me so much and been patient in trying to turn this old carthorse into a proper dancer! I will really miss training with her.”