Amanda Abbington pens sweet tribute to Strictly co-star after 'rejecting return for BBC finale'

Amanda Abbington pens sweet tribute to Strictly co-star after 'rejecting return for BBC finale'

WATCH NOW: Amanda Abbington announces return to work after Strictly exit

INSTAGRAM/AMANDA ABBINGTON
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 14/11/2023

- 13:48

The Sherlock star reportedly turned down the chance to return for the Strictly finale

Amanda Abbington has proved there's no bad blood between her and one of the Strictly Come Dancing dancers after she sensationally quit the show for "personal reasons" last month.

Her exit from the series has been a major talking point for weeks now, especially amid ongoing feud rumours between herself and Giovanni Pernice - despite his touching post to her following her departure.


While Abbington has refused to delve into the specific circumstances that led to her exit, she has reportedly refused to reunite with her fellow cast mates when the final rolls around.

Each year, the cast of Strictly all get together for the final show of the series but a source told the Mirror that Abbington's "response to the invitation was she’d not be back".

Abbington may therefore be absent from the grand finale but she's proven her bond with pro dancer Luba Mushtuk is still going strong.

The actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to pen a sweet message to the dancer on her birthday, just eight days after she too exited the show after losing the dance-off with celeb partner Adam Thomas.

Amanda Abbington had danced with Giovanni PerniceAmanda Abbington had danced with Giovanni Pernice in StrictlyBBC

Sharing Mushtuk's birthday post from her own page, Abbington posted on her story: "Ohhh Happy Birthday to this beautiful and incredible woman.

"I love you so much," Abbington added before she typed a series of love heart emojis to accompany her tribute.

Abbington clearly formed a strong bond with Mushtuk and Thomas during their time on the show as she previously shared a sweet gesture to the Waterloo Road star's wife Caroline following his elimination.

The tribute to the "incredible" Mushtuk was also echoed by a number of other Strictly stars who took to the social media platform to wish her well.

Annabel Croft's pro partner Johannes Radebe typed on Mushtuk's post: "Happy birthday darling," followed by a love heart emoji.

"Happiest of birthday beauty," Angela Scanlon's partner Carlos Gu penned while Strictly stalwart Neil Jones added: "Happy Birthday," followed by a love heart emoji.

Karen Hauer - who was booted off the show with Eddie Kadi last month - also added: "Bday gurrrlllll."

While Week Two evictee Nikita Kanda showed her support as she penned: "Happy birthday beautiful lady." (sic)

Amanda Abbington penned a tribute to Luba Mushtuk

Amanda Abbington penned a tribute to Luba Mushtuk on her birthday

INSTAGRAM/AMANDA ABBINGTON

Abbington may not be returning for the Strictly finale but the actor has excited fans by revealing she's returned to work following her departure.

She returned to co-host her radio show on Boogaloo at the end of October, admitting the experience was "lovely" and that she was "glad we're back".

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