Giovanni 'unrecognisable' from past Strictly success after Amanda 'crisis'

25 October 2023 , 16:05

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Giovanni Pernice is 'unrecognisable' from his past successes on BBC Latin and ballroom show Strictly Come Dancing following a 'crisis' with celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, a body language expert has revealed

Giovanni Pernice is "unrecognisable" from his past successes on Strictly Come Dancing, a body language expert has revealed.

Judi James has given her verdict on the recent photos of the Strictly Come Dancing professional, which see him looking downcast out and about whilst in London. He was partnered with Amanda Abbington for this series of the BBC show, but she quit earlier this week as she was 'unable to continue', meaning he is now out of the competition himself.

In her message to announce her departure from Strictly, she did not mention Giovanni once, instead just thanking the "incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring" amid reports that the pair were clashing in rehearsals and the practice runs had left Amanda feeling "frazzled" as the duo struggled to "gel".

Giovanni looked downcast (MJ-Pictures.com)

His celebrity partner Amanda Abbington quit the show earlier this week (MJ-Pictures.com)

Giving her verdict on the new photos of Giovanni, Judi explained: "Giovanni looks so downcast here he is almost unrecognisable, with his head held down and a grim facial expression. It’s easy to imagine his inner turmoil here.

"Two years ago he received Strictly icon status thanks to his dazzling win with Rose. The deeply affectionate body language dynamic between the pair was as important as their breathtaking dance routines but after lifting that glitterball trophy Gio came back the next season to find he’d been given one of the least inspired pairings with Richie Anderson, whose height and puppy-like energy were a poor match for Gio’s romantic, smoother and forensic style. They were out week three and Gio barely hid his disappointment."

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Continuing, Judi added: "Paired with Amanda this season the suggestion was that he was still a long way from getting back on top of that leader board but Amanda turned out to be a talented dancer and potential winner.

Giovanni is in 'crisis', a body language expert has said (MJ-Pictures.com)

"All the professional dancers on the show are competitive. Most began ballroom when they were small children and their lives have been about competing in competitions on a regular basis. It would be no surprise if Gio didn’t try to motivate Amanda for that elusive win but instead he’s seen her leave the show, with rumours and hints of a clash of personalities. This would have to be a crisis for one of the most popular dancers on TV and his demeanour here seems to reflect that."

Amanda broke her silence that she had quit the show in a message on Instagram, which read: "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."

She concluded: "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."

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Judi James