Strictly Come Dancing fans were dealt a heartbreaking blow just hours before the fifth live show of the series, when it was revealed that Amanda Abbington would no longer be taking part this weekend.
The news broke late on Friday evening, when It Takes Two host Janette Manrara said: "We have some breaking news, unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.
"Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week. Amanda we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes!"
The decision to temporarily withdraw will no doubt have come as a crushing blow to the couple, who week after week have continued to impress both the expert judging panel and audiences at home with their phenomenal dance skills.
In the very first week of the competition, the couple danced their way to the upper end of the leaderboard, with a score of 29 points, before continuing to excel week after week, with scores of 32, 30 and 31.
This means, that on average the couple have ranked 2nd out of all this year’s competing couples, beaten only by Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, for overall points so far.
The decision to withdraw on health grounds now means that viewers will sadly have to to miss out on Amanda and Giovanni’s highly anticipated Cha-Cha to Canned Heat by Jamiroquai.
However as disappointing as it may be, this isn’t the last viewers at home will see of the couple, as the current health and safety protocols in place, mean that the couple will be able to return again next week providing they are both fit to do so.
Although no further details have yet been revealed about what medical ailment has put a stop to Amanda and Giovanni’s Strictly dreams this week, they are far from the only couple to have experienced a few health hiccoughs this week, as fellow contestant Adam Thomas was also struck down with a vicious case of winter flu.
The Waterloo Road star was reportedly 'banned' from entering the Strictly studios to rehearse after he was struck down with the bug earlier this week.
Strictly bosses are said to be terrified that the illness will spread amongst its cast and crew, which could throw the show into jeopardy.
A show source told The Sun: “It sounds silly but the winter flu could wipe out Strictly’s stars – and that would be a nightmare.
“Adam was forced to miss training after being ill and is trying to battle through it now.
“It would be worse if he was to spread it around and being so close with his pro partner Luba means she is more likely to get ill."
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