Amanda Abbington has taken to Instagram to repost an image initially posted by her long-time friend Simon Pegg.

The post comes just hours after the first Strictly Come Dancing live show aired after she quit the popular dance competition.

Simon Pegg initially posted an image that showed him cosied up with Amanda to his one million followers.

He captioned the image: “Friends for 25 years. Love you @amanda_abbington74.”

Amanda, 49, then reposted the image to her 140,000 fans and added: “I love you too dear friend. Thank you for the most wonderful 25 years” followed by three heart emojis.

Strictly host’s Tess Daly, 54, and Claudia Winkleman, 51, paid tribute to Amanda at the start of last night’s show.

They confirmed that Amanda wouldn’t be returning and wished her well for the future.

They said: “Now, earlier this week Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition. We are sending you all our love” which was followed by applause from the audience.

Amanda announced she was quitting the show via a statement on Instagram after she and professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice missed the previous week on medical grounds.

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Posting an image of a pair of dance shoes, Amanda wrote: “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.”

She went on to write: “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.”

She ended the statement saying: “I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you.”

Strictly stars took to the comment section to share their disappointment at the news. Tess Daly wrote: “You will be so missed.” Whilst Janette Manrara wrote: “Sending all my love.”

Previous It Takes Two host Zoe Ball commented: “So much love to you Amanda.”

Fans were also quick to comment with one writing: “An incredible contestant and dancer so sad that you are no longer on strictly but your health comes first #keepdancing”

Whilst a second said: “I thought you were awesome, please look after yourself you will be missed.”

And a third commented: “I can’t tell you how much you lit up the dance floor. May you take time for you. We as an audience, will miss you. Thank you.”