Amanda Abbington's 'feud' with Giovanni - row rumours to cryptic comments
Strictly Come Dancing has lost another star from this year’s series after actress Amanda Abbington quit the show at the weekend.
The 49-year-old, who is best known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Sherlock, was mysteriously absent from the live show on Saturday leaving pro dancer Giovanni Pernice without a partner.
It was down to It Takes Two host Janette Manrara to break the news to fans a day before Amanda and Giovanni were due to take to the dance floor for their Cha Cha Cha to Jamiroquai’s hit Canned Heat.
Janette told viewers: “We have some breaking news. Unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week. Amanda we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes!"
Although the duo were thought to be returning to the BBC show after a short break, it was later confirmed Amanda has quit for good. On It Takes Two last night, host Fleur East said: "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."
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Amanda’s decision to quit comes after fall out rumours between her and Giovanni circulated. She and real-life partner Jonathan Goodwin also shared cryptic posts on social media, leaving fans concerned and wondering what the real reason behind her decision to leave the show is. The Mirror has reached out to reps for Strictly and Amanda. Here’s everything we know so far...
Training room 'rows'
There were rumours of a rift between Amanda and pro partner Giovanni (BBC)While many celebrities dream of being partnered with Strictly pro Giovanni, his partnerships since he joined the dance show back in 2015 haven’t always been plain sailing.
Before this year’s show started, there were reports he was already at loggerheads with Amanda. She was said to been left miserable over Giovanni’s “strict and aggressive style and attitude” during their training sessions and had even considered quitting the competition before the first live show.
Despite the rumours, the pair put on a united front and denied rumours of a rift. Prior to Amanda missing the live show over the weekend, they appeared on Strictly spin-off It Takes Too. Host Janette Manrara asked: "It honestly looks like you two are having the best time, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?"
But the pair seemed to be getting along and dancing well together (BBC/Guy Levy)
Giovanni shared a sweet tribute to Amanda after it was revealed she had quit (Instagram)Amanda agreed and insisted: "Yeah we are, we are! We do and we laugh a lot, we have the same sense of humour which is really important. So we'll come out, work hard, and then we just laugh don't we."
Following the news Amanda has quit, Giovanni shared a sweet picture of him and Amanda backstage in their pyjamas on Instagram and said: "Amanda .. I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love @amanda_abbington74 @bbcstrictly ."
Cryptic messages
Amanda and partner Jonathan Goodwin have both shared cryptic messages on social media (Dave Benett/Getty Images)Taking to on Saturday morning, Amanda shared a poignant message with her followers as Giovanni prepared to appear on the live show on his own. In a post to her Stories from an account called @positiveminds011, she broke her silence following the announcement. The image showed a picture of the late actor Robin Williams and the words: "People don't fake depression... they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind."
Amanda’s partner, daredevil Jonathan, who began dating Amanda in 2021, also shared a cryptic post to his own social media channels. Posting a photo of himself looking at his reflection in a mirror on his Instagram story, he wrote: "We can be so hard on ourselves...be our own worst critics... but before you judge yourself..."
Are you sad to see Amanda and Giovanni leave Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Jonathan then added: "Make sure your mirror is clean", in an apparent nod to the dust seen on the mirror but it could also be interpreted as a thought-provoking post, too.
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'Gutted' reaction
Fans are sad Amanda and Giovanni won't be returning (BBC)On Monday, it was revealed Amanda had pulled out of the competition as she was "fed up". "The schedule is very gruelling and after a series of setbacks on the show she has simply decided, with regret, that it's the right thing to do," a source told the Daily Star.
Strictly Come Dancing fans were concerned to hear the news of Amanda's absence on Friday night and took to social media to wish her a speedy recovery. One tweeted: "Well that made me sad no Amanda and Gio on #Strictly tomorrow Disappointed was looking forward to their Cha Cha but most important thing is get well soon Amanda. You will be so missed."
Someone else wrote: "Absolutely gutted, her and Giovanni are my faves so gonna be quite boring for me tomorrow." Another added: "She must be gutted! Imagine learning a dance all week for no reason. I hope that they release the rehearsal run through or something, from the clips on ITT it looked really good and was gonna be a really technical Cha Cha."
Strictly will return next weekend for a Spooktacular special for Halloween as the remaining celebrities battle it out to make it through to the next stage of the competition with their frighteningly good routines.
*Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer on Saturday from 6.40pm
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