Amanda Abbington has spoken out on Nigel Harman’s exit after he followed in her footsteps as the second Strictly star to withdraw from the competition this year.
The Sherlock star quit the show after just a few weeks in the competition on “medical grounds” and Harman withdrew on Saturday after ending up in A&E with a rib injury.
Harman explained during Saturday’s show to Claudia Winkleman: “I was leaping off a rostrum and was about to be caught by some very handsome men and as I flew I was Peter Pan but when I landed I was in A&E.
“I’ve done something to my rib basically, and it’s quite painful and I’m a little bit high on painkillers as well.”
He also paid tribute to pro partner Katya Jones as he continued: “Kat, the only reason I’m standing is because of all the work you’ve put into me.
“You turn up every day with hundreds of ideas, you challenge me, you push me, you support me, you make me laugh… but most of all, you’re just part of me now.”
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones were both in tears as they bid farewell
BBC
Their farewell left both in tears – and even sparked concern among Jones’s fans – but news of Harman’s withdrawal broke hours before the live show thanks to the BBC.
An official statement was published on Instagram before Saturday’s show which read: “Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly.”
A number of Strictly stars reacted to the news at the time, including Abbington.
Abbington not only showed her support for the pair as she took to the comments of the announcement Instagram post but also reacted to a clip of the duo’s exit interview on the same page.
The Sherlock star simply posted a series of three broken-hearted heart emojis to let her former co-stars know she was thinking of them upon learning the news.
And reacting to the clip of the duo saying their farewell, Abbington continued to share her support after being in a similar position with a series of four love heart emojis.
She wasn’t alone as last week’s dance-off casualty Angela Scanlon also weighed in on the announcement post: “So sorry to hear this @themeditatingactor & @katyajones you two are glorious xx.”
Annabel Croft also said prior to her own performance: “Devastated for you Nigel! I am wishing you a speedy recovery. You are an effortless and talented dancer xxx @themeditatingactor.”
“Sending so much love to them both!” Layton Williams added while Angela Rippon and Gorka Marquez both shared a series of crying emojis.
Kai Widdrington, who was left in tears when he departed the show with Rippon, also commented: “Sending love to you both,” followed by a crying and a love heart emoji. (sic)
Now that Harman has quit the contest, Williams, Croft, Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier will take on the semi-finals.
