Amanda Abbington proved her fondness for her fellow Strictly castmates lives on just hours before Saturday's finale after she sensationally quit the contest.
Abbington cited "personal reasons" for withdrawing from the competition a matter of weeks in and the BBC confirmed she wouldn't be returning for the finale's group number earlier this month.
The actor has gone on to show her support for several of her co-stars since leaving the contest - with tributes to Angela Rippon and Angela Scanlon just two examples.
However, rift rumours have continued to surround her exit, especially with Giovanni Pernice after she omitted him from her farewell statement.
But not letting her Strictly exit and the speculation stand in the way of wishing this year's finalists well, Abbington took to Instagram.
Breaking her silence for the first time since the BBC confirmed she wouldn't be back for the finale, Abbington shared a snap of this year's three final pairs.
Amanda Abbington penned this message to the Strictly finalists
BBC
In a touching gesture, Abbington captioned the snap of the six stars: "Good luck tonight to these six beautiful humans," followed by a series of love heart emojis.
In the end, it was Ellie Leach who emerged victorious on Saturday's show after raking in the backing of the public vote.
The Coronation Street actor actually finished the finale propping up the leaderboard in third place behind Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams but BBC viewers ensured they voted to secure her the Glitterball.
"I actually, genuinely cannot believe this," Leach said to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman while her pro partner Vito Coppola broke down in tears.
"Don't talk to me," Coppola said as he sobbed while Leach teased: "This is the first time I have seen him cry, for once you're crying more than me so this is for you, this is for you."
Coppola took a breath before he said: "I mean this is the cherry on the cake… the point of the iceberg.
"You have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly.
"You are the diamond shining... you are amazing, I am so proud."
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Amanda Abbington missed out on this year's Strictly group number
BBC
Abbington may have been watching this year's finale from the comfort of her own home alongside millions of others.
However, overnight ratings show this year's Strictly brought in a disappointing haul compared to last year.
While the peak audience topped 2022's finale, its average audience was almost half a million down on last year.
