Strictly Come Dancing fans have taken to social media to demand an immediate change to the series following Amanda Abbington‘s shock exit.

Amanda Abbington against the Strictly ballroom backdrop

The actress, who partnered Giovanni Pernice, announced this week (October 23) that she has quit the BBC dance competition.

A statement from Strictly announced: “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.”

Amanda Abbington on Lorraine
Strictly fans were devastated to hear that Amanda Abbington has quit (Credit: ITV)
Strictly fans demand change following Amanda Abbington exit

Many Strictly fans have expressed sadness at this unexpected news. One Twitter user was particularly disappointed.

“Gutted Amanda has pulled out – she was so great. I hope she recovers soon,” they said.

I hope nobody can be voted off this weekend.

They then went on to insist: “Gotta say though, I hope nobody can be voted off this weekend, otherwise that’s pretty unfair.”

A second person agreed: “With 10 couples now for Halloween they should just have normal dances this week like they do in Week 1 and skip this week’s public vote to make the competition fair.”

Eddie and Karen on Strictly
Could Eddie and Karen be back on the dancefloor? (Credit: BBC)
Should Eddie be brought back?

Meanwhile another fan suggested: “Can Eddie come back to Strictly then if Amanda has quit??”

One added: “So now Amanda’s gone, Eddie should be brought back.”

Another agreed: “GIVE EDDIE HIS PLACE BACK! GIVE EDDIE HIS PLACE BAAACK!”

Eddie and Karen were of course the latest ballroom casualties over the weekend, to much public uproar.

Strictly’s own former professional Robin Windsor echoed this idea, tweeting : “Following a contestants departure it would would be great to see the latest eliminated couple return to the show. It’s only Monday so plenty of time to rehearse.”

He went on to tag the official BBC Strictly Twitter… So watch this space we guess!

However, if the BBC follows the previous two years – when Robert Webb and AJ Odudu pulled out of the competition – you can expect another elimination this Sunday night (October 29).