Amanda Abbington's fiance urges 'don't be quick to judge' after her sudden Strictly exit
Amanda Abbington suddenly and unexpectedly withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing for "personal reasons" last week and now her fiancé's cryptic comment has attracted attention.
Amanda Abbington's fiancé Jonathan Goodwin has shared a cryptic post just days after the actress confirmed her sudden exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
"When you see an iceberg you could be forgiven for not realising just how much is below the surface," the 43-year-old former stunt performer wrote on Instagram.
"The same is true of people. Don't be quick to judge a person or situation if you don't know what's below the surface..."
Sherlock actress Amanda, 51, had previously urged followers to "be kind" in a post that quoted the late Robin Williams saying: "People don't fake depression... they fake being okay."
Amanda has not confirmed exactly why she chose to quit, simply citing "personal reasons" and assuring followers that she'd had "the deepest regret" about not being able to continue.
Her words followed on from another quote her fiancé penned on Instagram, cautioning: "We can be so hard on ourselves...be our own worst critics... but before you judge yourself... make sure your mirror is clean."
In the past, Amanda suffered mental health struggles, particularly during the break-up of a 16-year relationship with fellow actor Martin Freeman.
The star astonishingly kept the split secret for the first six months, telling only a small number of people - but behind the scenes, she battled suicidal thoughts and was left "hating" herself.
She revealed on The Full Disclosure podcast that her mantra had become "You could always kill yourself."
Don't miss...
Judi Dench looks unrecognisable in unearthed bikini-clad snaps from early career [PICTURES]
Anton Du Beke shares sadness as show gets cancelled in another blow for Giovanni [LATEST]
Amanda Holden reaches out to support Brian May as he suffers heartbreaking loss [NEWS]
"That was a genuine option for me, quite a few times in my life. Then I don't have to be this bad person because I don't have to be here anymore," she stated.
Fortunately, Amanda sought therapy and her mental health began to improve, leading to her meeting current partner Jonathan.
He is confined to a wheelchair due to a terrifying stunt that went wrong while rehearsing for America's Got Talent: Extreme, and which left him with a dislocated spinal cord and third degree burns.
The stuntman, who also appeared on Britain's Got Talent back in 2019, even lost a kidney in the incident.
He had been suspended 30ft in the air, hanging upside down between two cars, and had tasked himself with escaping from a straitjacket at the scene - but it didn't go according to plan, causing devastating consequences.
Amanda previously shared that her partner had "nearly died on the operating table", but that when he'd given her a "get out of jail free card" and said he understood if she left him, she'd vowed to stay.
Earlier this week, Amanda's Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice expressed that he's "so sad" he is unable to continue in the competition with Amanda, and was snapped looking melancholic and pensive while on a stroll around London this week.
Meanwhile, Amanda's statement clarified: "It is with 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. It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
"I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It's a wonderful bunch of people and I'll miss all of them."
If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year.
Alternatively, you can find more information on the Samaritans website: https://www.samaritans.org/