24 October 2023 , 21:27
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Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has reportedly been left 'frustrated' after partner Amanda Abbington quit the BBC dance show without his knowledge.
Earlier this week, it was revealed the actress quit the show on Monday's episode of It Takes Two, with presenter Fleur East breaking the news to fans. Amanda Abbington has since broken her silence following reports she has quit Strictly Come Dancing following a series of "setbacks."
Amanda said she had to withdraw due to "personal reasons" and thanked the production team and "everyone on Strictly" in her statement without mentioning professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice in her statement. Following her message to social media, Giovanni posted to Instagram to address his sadness after his time in the competition was cut short.
Taking to his Instagram, Giovanni wrote: "I am so sad we can't continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love. after he shared a photo of the pair embracing while dressed in festive outfits.
There have been rumours of a backstage 'feud' between Amanda and Gio (BBC)According to sources Giovanni has been venting his frustration to his friends, and worries the 'drama' will have a negative impact on his career. A source told The Daily Star: “This has really annoyed him. He’s barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening. He’s been complaining about it to friends. He’s frustrated."
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The insider added: “He is worried the drama will be damaging for his career and make him look bad.” It comes after reports the pair were embroiled in a backstage feud despite putting on a united front on social media.
It was said Amanda had contemplated quitting the show previously after the pair argued in rehearsals, with the Sherlock star left annoyed over her dance partner's 'militant and aggressive' behaviour in training.
"Giovanni is a very hard taskmaster and takes the competition very, very seriously," a source said, calling the Italian's techniques 'incredibly brusque' which could sometimes 'upset his partners.'
However, the two stars brushed off the rumours when appearing on Strictly: It Takes Two earlier this season. "It honestly looks like you two are having the best time, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?" Janette Manrara asked the pair as they appeared on the spin-off show, with Amanda replying: "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."
Amanda and Giovanni's final appearance on Strictly on October 14 prompted some odd comments from the judges following their Foxtrot to Fleetwood Mac song To Everywhere. Despite receiving 31 points out of a possible 40 from the judging panel, Amanda was reminded to "breathe" on the dancefloor by Anton.
The Mirror has contacted Giovanni and Amanda's representatives for comment.