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Amanda Abbington and her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, will not be returning to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor next week.

The actress was forced to miss this week's show due to medical reasons and on Monday it was announced she would be withdrawing from the competition.

Writing on social media following the news, she said: "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."

She is the fifth contestant to leave, with four others voted out after the dreaded dance off.

On Sunday, Eddie Kadie and his professional dance partner Karen Hauer became the latest couple to leave after failing to make it through the dance-off. .

Amanda said it had been an "absolute joy" working with the other contestants, who she called "a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday".

She added: "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"

Amanda's withdrawal was announced on spin off show Strictly - It Takes Two.

The programme's host Fleur East read out a statement which said: "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 compilation of her best moment was also shown, featuring her last appearance where she had scored 31 for a quick-footed foxtrot.