Amanda Abbington had a "terrible time" after her split from Martin Freeman and took a "long time to recover" as her ex found love with a woman 22 years younger than him.

Amanda Abbington has said she was relieved about her cancer scare because it meant that she could quit Strictly Come Dancing. The Sherlock star, 50, pulled out of the BBC One show last year, citing medical reasons at the time.

Actress Amanda Abbington has spoken out about her Strictly Come Dancing experience and how her ex Martin Freeman reacted to the "awful" time she had.

Sherlock star Amanda Abbington has claimed she found two lumps in her breast during her final week on Strictly Come Dancing before she quit the show

Sherlock star Amanda Abbington said she was relieved that her cancer scared meant she could leave her experience at Strictly Come Dancing

Amanda Abbington last night revealed her relief that a cancer scare meant she could quit Strictly Come Dancing - and training with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice is reportedly still holding out hope he will return to the BBC show next year, despite Amanda Abbington's claims

Giovanni Pernice has told friends he is keen to return to Strictly Come Dancing next year, sources have claimed, despite the findings of this week's BBC report

A source claimed that Amanda Abbington's anger towards her ex Martin Freeman might have played a part in the way she complained about her former Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice

Amanda Abbington says she was relieved cancer scare gave her an out on Strictly Come Dancing - ‘It was the catalyst I’d been sort of waiting for, which is terrible,’ said the actor