Amanda Abbington has revealed
Strictly Come Dancing has helped her to "feel like a woman" after struggling with her self-confidence in the years since she turned 40. The Sherlock
Actress is one of 15 celebrities to star on the 21st series of the
BBC reality show, joining the likes of EastEnders ' Bobby Brazier and radio presenter Nikita Kanda for a chance at winning that coveted Glitterball trophy. Despite coming on the show with no dance background, she's already hitting it out of the park alongside partner Giovanni Pernice in the choreography department. The 49-year-old is currently in the top three of the league table, after scoring a very respectable 91 with her rumba on Movie Week. Her performance was hailed by head judge Shirley Ballas, as well as Motsi Mabuse, who called it "expensive looking." Frankie Bridge's figure-hugging high street dress is perfect for autumn layering Amanda Abbington has hailed Strictly for helping her feel more confident ( Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston) The Sherlock star has wowed audiences with her performance on the show ( Image: BBC/Guy Levy) Amanda has also revealed that the competition has had other positive effects on her life, by teaching her to persevere no matter how old she is. "I’m a woman of a certain age, so I’m hoping to inspire
Women my age to go out there and grab life with both hands," she told the Mail, "Because I think sometimes women my age kind of give up, and they just go, 'I’ll settle now. I’ll settle for this.' And actually, no, you have the potential to go and do anything. The sky’s the limit. I hope I inspire women to go and do something they wouldn’t normally do." Amanda also said that the show has reconnected with her womanhood after receiving so many flattering remarks from her fans. "It’s nice to feel like a woman because like I say, when you hit a certain age, you become invisible,’ she said. "You do. You just do. And so for people to go, “Wow, look at you.” And just in a really very complimentary way, it does boost your confidence. Who doesn’t want to be complimented?" Amanda's positive reflection on her Strictly experience is a far cry from her attitude during the first rehearsals. The Mr Selfridge star admitted she felt 'pathetic' during the gruelling practices, taking to
Instagram to vent her frustrations with her followers. "I came home like a little old lady and I looked like a witch, but I am blaming my age and the fact I am premenopausal. It’s nothing to do with the fact that I didn’t really look after myself and pace myself." Amanda is currently engaged to stuntman Jonathon Goodwin, after separating from Martin Freeman in 2016 after 16 years together. She also has two children, a daughter named Grace and a son named Joe, with her ex-husband. * Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram ,
Twitter ,
Facebook ,
YouTube and Threads .