Watching Amanda Abbington on Strictly Come Dancing this season has been, for many women like myself, a source of deep frustration and disappointment.
Abbington, a talented actress known for her roles in shows like Sherlock and Mr. Selfridge, has managed to captivate audiences with her undeniable beauty, poise, and acting chops.
Yet, when it comes to her time on the dance floor, the reaction from many female viewers is a mixture of disbelief, sadness, and, quite frankly, dismay.
At first glance, Amanda Abbington seems like the ideal Strictly contestant.
She has the star power, the confidence, and the grace that should naturally translate into impressive performances on the dance floor. But as the weeks progress,
it has become increasingly evident that there’s something missing in her routine—something that speaks not just to her dancing ability but to the very nature of her approach to the competition.
For many of us women watching at home, it feels as though Amanda has become the very embodiment of a mindset that is all too common in certain corners of modern society:
the belief that appearance and star power are enough to get by, without the need for the kind of hard work, determination, and personal growth that the competition demands.
What is perhaps most disheartening is how her time on the show seems to reflect a troubling trend—one where superficial qualities, rather than actual effort or progression, are rewarded. Abbington’s beauty and elegance have been frequently highlighted by judges and fans alike, yet it seems that her journey on Strictly is becoming less about growth as a dancer and more about the glamour of her celebrity status. Watching her week after week, it’s difficult not to feel that she is skating by on her fame rather than putting in the kind of grueling, relentless effort that the other contestants are clearly investing. And this, I think, is the crux of why many women like myself feel such dismay.
In many ways, Abbington’s journey on Strictly seems to offer a glimpse into the world of celebrity culture, where beauty, charm, and fame often overshadow the hard work and dedication that go into mastering a skill. While there is no doubt that she has been gracious and humble in interviews and has made a strong effort to engage with the audience, there’s a feeling that her performances have not evolved as they should have by this point in the competition. In contrast, many of the other contestants—some of whom have no prior experience—have shown immense progress, often outshining the more famous contestants who may have expected to glide through.
But beyond the disappointment in her dancing, there’s also a sense of betrayal for those of us who believe that Strictly should be a celebration of personal growth and achievement, not just another platform for celebrity to shine. Amanda Abbington, to her credit, has a significant fan base, and she brings charisma and star power to the show. But for women like me, watching her struggle on the dance floor feels like a missed opportunity—an opportunity for her to showcase her true potential, to put in the hard work, and to inspire others by pushing herself out of her comfort zone.
What makes this all the more painful is that, for many women watching, Strictly is more than just a TV show. It’s a celebration of perseverance, strength, and the transformative power of hard work. Every week, we tune in not only for the dazzling dances and the glamorous costumes but for the stories of growth and courage. From the contestants who start with little to no dance experience to those who, despite their nerves or age, push themselves to be better, Strictly is about much more than just putting on a good performance. It’s about showing the world that even the most unlikely candidates can shine with enough grit and determination.
And that’s where the issue with Amanda Abbington’s journey comes in. For many women who have fought for recognition, struggled to achieve their goals, or dealt with personal challenges, watching her on the show feels like a missed opportunity for a woman of her calibre to rise to the occasion. It feels as though the platform could have been used to encourage others, to show that a celebrity is not above the rigours of hard work and dedication, yet instead, we are left with a display of a lack of progression. For many of us, this is especially frustrating because we know what she is capable of. We know that, given the right mindset, she could transform her dancing and turn the competition into something truly inspiring.
In the end, it’s not that I wish Amanda Abbington failure; rather, I wish she would seize the chance to push herself beyond what she’s comfortable with. The disappointment for many women like me stems from seeing someone with such immense talent and potential, but who, for some reason, hasn’t fully committed to the experience. We want to see more than just a pretty face on the dance floor—we want to see her fight for success, grow from the challenge, and prove that talent and hard work are far more important than fame and beauty. Ultimately, we want to see her make us proud.
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