Strictly Come Dancing's head judge, Shirley Ballas, has called this series 'difficult' following Amanda Abbington's exit as she shared her thoughts on It Takes Two. Sherlock actress Amanda left Strictly earlier this week, when Fleur East confirmed: "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." Speaking on It Takes Two, Shirley shared her thoughts on the 2023 contestants as she said: "The class of 2023, the magic is always in the mix and the BBC definitely got the mix right this year didn't they? "It's a very, very difficult series.