BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amanda Abbington breaks silence on exit with five-word statement

Amy Dowden has been forced to pull out of her planned return to Strictly Come Dancing as she was hit by a fresh health setback. The dancer has been absent from the BBC One dance contest this year due to undergoing treatment for cancer.

Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola has given an insight into his partnership with Ellie Leach as the pair prepare for the show's famous trip to Blackpool. The pair made it through to week nine of the BBC One dance contest after impressing with their latest routine in the ballroom.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Leach says Vito Coppola is "part of her family" as romance rumours heat up.The Coronation Street star, 22, and Italian pro dancer, 31, have had tongues wagging ever since their first dance on the show, with many fans commenting on their undeniable chemistry. Earlier this month, former contestant Amanda Abbington appeared to confirm the pair were dating when she referred to them as "the most beautiful couple" on Instagram. Ellie and Vito have yet to confirm or deny they are in a relationship, but now the actress has revealed the dancer has been to her house 'several times for tea' and loves her mum's cooking.

Ellie Leach caused a distraction when her Strictly Come Dancing partner Vito Coppola enjoyed a 'beautiful' moment with another of their co-stars. The dancing pair have been creating quite the stir, becoming the subject of romance rumours as they wow in the ballroom.

Amanda Abbington was jokingly corrected by her partner as she shared how she's keeping busy since her Strictly Come Dancing exit. The actress was among the 15 famous faces who signed up to the BBC One dance contest this year and was making strides in the competition alongside dancer Giovanni Pernice.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Amanda Abbington has spoken out for the first time since her exit from the show, insisting she is still feeling "really good". Last week, the 46 year old actress withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing due to "personal reasons" and thanked everyone on the show in a statement.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans were left worried when they didn't see Giovanni Pernice in the opening dance number on Sunday, however, there was a good reason for his absence. Fans were puzzled when they couldn't spot Giovanni among the professionals in the opening Wednesday-themed routine, with many sharing their concerns on social media. One fan tweeted: "The f*** is this?! Where's Giovanni's rightful solo?? #strictly," but another quickly replied that Giovanni had missed the recordings due to an injury.

Strictly Come Dancing contestants enjoyed a spooky weekend on the iconic dancefloor as the hair and make-up teams pulled out all the stops to transform the couples as they hit the halfway mark of the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice's reps have rubbished reports that the dancer is causing a stir behind the scenes of the hit BBC show.The Daily Star reported that Giovanni has been labelled "out of control" by both crew members and professional dancers, who say his personality is rubbing people up the wrong way. It was claimed that he was rude to many of the new dancers on the show, thinking he's "superior" to them because he's been on the series for a while.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman addressed Amanda Abbington's exit from the show as it kicked off on Saturday night. Amanda, 51, who left the show earlier this week for personal reasons, was honoured by the Strictly team. As the show started, Tess and Claudia announced that Amanda wouldn't be returning to the show, before sending her their best wishes.

Strictly Come Dancing star Adam Thomas has shared his hopes to make a return to the dancefloor tonight after being struck by a second bout of sickness.

Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Scanlon has warned the judges 'don't mess' as her dance partner Carlos gave a short one-word reply to the feedback given during Saturday's live show. On Wednesday night (October 25), the Irish TV presenter and professional dancer appeared on Strictly's spin-off show It Takes Two to chat to host Janette Manrara.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli rushed off stage in tears after an emotional tribute to his late friend and co-star Len Goodman.

Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice has been spotted out in public for the first time since his dancing partner Amanda Abbington quit this year's series.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has been photographed for the first time looking glum, after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington quit the show.The 33-year-old Italian dancer appeared downcast as he was photographed in a black puffer jacket, amid claims that his partner became "fragile and frazzled" because she couldn't cope with his tough training sessions. Amanda quit the show just days after she pulled out of a live performance due to ill health. Presenter Fleur East announced that Amanda had called it quits on the Spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday night.

Jonnie Irwin has been flooded with support after updating his fans on his 'mistake' amid his battle with terminal cancer. The TV presenter, who is best known for fronting Channel 4's A Place In The Sun and BBC's Escape to the Country, shared the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in November last year.

Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice has publicly snubbed Amanda Abbington after she made a statement to say she quit the BBC show.

Giovanni Pernice is said to have no plans to leave Strictly Come Dancing, despite this year's series proving to be a disappointment for the Italian dancer. His dance partner Amanda Abbington had to withdraw from the competition, leaving Giovanni out of the race for the Glitterball trophy this year, just two years after he was crowned champ alongside Rose Ayling-Ellis. Adding to his woes, the Cardiff date of his solo tour was cancelled due to the sudden closure of the venue he was set to perform at.

Strictly Come Dancing stars have sent their best wishes to Amanda Abbington after she revealed why she left the competition.

One of the couples competition in this year's Strictly Come Dancing have 'undeniable' chemistry - but fans have been told 'it's important to remember'. Viewers of the BBC One dance contest have been going wild for actress Ellie Leach's partnership with dancer Vito Coppola.