Amanda Abbington has left Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has confirmed. 

The actress is "unable to continue" and has withdrawn from the competition, Fleur East announced on behalf of a Strictly spokesperson on the BBC Two spin off show It Takes Two.

The BBC said in a statement: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future."

Known for playing Mary Watson in Sherlock, the 49-year-old did not appear on Saturday's show alongside her dancing partner Giovanni Pernice due to "medical reasons". 

Week 5 of the competition saw comedian Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer voted off the show after being in a dance-off against reality star Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima. 

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday (October 28) with a Halloween special at 6.40pm on BBC One. 

The results show will air on Sunday (October 29) at 7.20pm on BBC One and iPlayer. 

Who are the remaining celebrities on Strictly?

  • Layton Williams

  • Ellie Leach

  • Angela Rippon

  • Bobby Brazier

  • Adam Thomas

  • Krishnan Guru-Murphy

  • Angela Scanlon

  • Zara McDermott

  • Annabel Croft

  • Eddie Kadi