THANKING HER LOYAL FANS AMANDA ABBINGTON ACTRESS BOWS OUT OF 'STRICTLY COME DANCING'

She was a strong contender to lift the Glitterball trophy in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, but last week actress Amanda Abbington pulled out of Britain's most popular TV show, to the shock and disappointment of her fans.

- ROSALIND POWELL

The news broke last Monday, when it was announced that the Sherlock star, who had not performed on Saturday's show for "medical reasons", would not be returning.

Taking to Instagram, the actress, 49, posted a picture of her Latin dance shoes displayed on a window sill, accompanied by the caption: "It is with the 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 went on to pay tribute to her "beautiful, hardworking and talented" fellow contestants, and thanked the production staff and backstage team.