24 October 2023 , 10:59
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Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington's differences were documented before the actress quit the show.
From the first week it had been reported that Amanda struggled with her partner's 'aggressive' training techniques, and there were even rumours she vowed to pull out of the first live show if he continued his rehearsal tactics that she was not on board with.
Despite the early bust-up, the Sherlock actress, 49 and Italian champion, 33, were praised for turning out a series of high quality dances during their short time on the dance floor, with some bookies hailing Amanda as 'one to watch'. However, on It Takes Two last night it was announced the mum-of-two had decided she could 'no longer continue' in the competition, leaving her fans and her dance partner "so sad".
According to body language expert Judi James, the writing was on the wall for the couple from their last appearance on the show. The pair performed a Foxtrot to Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere. While the performance was praised by the judges, Judi says after the dance Amanda looked awkward and it appeared there was 'no fun to be had' between her and Giovanni.
The body language expert said Amanda looked plagued with doubt while Gio seemed to be struggling to make Amanda realise how 'talented she is'.
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Judi said: "He seems to be struggling to motivate her and to make her feel as confident as she deserves to, given her dance ability. He hangs an arm round her neck during the judges comments and as he holds her hand he shakes it hard every time she gets praise as though frustrated she doesn’t realise how good she is."
Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice told fans he was 'so sad' he and Amanda Abbington couldn't continue in the competition (BBC)After she pulled out of last week's show, Amanda shared a post on Instagram from late comic, Robin Williams, which read: " “People don’t fake depression … they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind.”
Amanda 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.
Commenting on the actress' relationship with Gio in the Strictly rehearsal studio, Judi said: "When she pushes her hands against her head during rehearsals Gio turns to look into the camera with his hands on his hips and this does create the idea that he was getting frustrated, knowing her potential but maybe not able to take her to the stage of being a winner. There are no signs of joy or real fun between them here, Amanda often looks lost in her own worries about getting it all right."
Amanda bore a look of concern after her final performance (BBC)Judi believes the couple showed little signs of forging a friendship despite their close working relationship, saying: "Given that they had worked together for weeks, there are so few signs of any growing synchronicity or mirroring that will usually suggest a comfortable relationship.
"The biggest suggestion of the pair not hitting it off and not growing close comes from their facial expressions when they look at each other. In a close relationship and in a normal Strictly relationship, there is usually a softening of the facial expression and an instant smile. When Amanda looks at Giovanni in the car when they are supposed to be playful together or before and after their dances her expression appears cold."
Speaking out on his and Amanda's sudden departure from the show, Gio told fans he was "so sad" he would no longer be dancing with Amanda in a poignant post on Instagram. Sharing a snap of the pair beaming backstage of the Strictly studio, he said: "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."
Amanda and Giovanni's swansong was to a Fleetwood Mac classic (PA)
Rumours of a tension between the two were heard throughout the series (BBC/Guy Levy)In a statement today, Amanda spoke out about her Strictly journey - not mentioning Gio - saying: "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. 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.
"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. xxx."