Giovanni Pernice 'doesn't want to be there at all' after Strictly solo return

28 October 2023 , 20:15

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Giovanni Pernice appeared on Strictly Come Dancing tonight, just a few days after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington quit the BBC programme due to personal reasons (Image: PA)

A "distracted" Giovanni Pernice showed signs of "not wanting to be there at all" as he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing tonight.

The professional dancer exited the competition earlier this week after his actress co-star Amanda Abbington quit the show due to personal reasons. In a lengthy statement, she admitted she could not continue with the show. However, Giovanni will still be a part of the show, as are all the professional dancers when their celebrity partner is voted off or quits the programme.

During tonight's episode - the first since Amanda quit - Giovanni was seen in the background as host Claudia Winkleman chatted to the other contestants and their professional partners. Body language expert Judi James revealed that Giovanni showed signs he didn't want to be there despite Halloween usually being his biggest week on the show.

Giovanni appeared behind the other professionals (BBC)

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Judi said: "Halloween is traditionally Giovanni’s biggest week on Strictly, but this time it was more like a personal and professional nightmare. Instead of thrilling fans with one of his sensual, spooky routines he was relegated to the back row on the balcony thanks to his partner Amanda pulling out of the competition and his body language suggested a desire to not be there at all. The professional dancers usually try to get in shot when they’re standing around the current couple after their dance and when they are in shot they keep their eyes on the couple and respond to their reactions.

"Giovanni though did everything to stay out of shot, actually pulling other pro dancers to stand in front of him and when he was visible he looked distracted with an eye-dart rather than focusing on the competing couple. He assumed a pose that looked submissive and self-protective, standing with his hands in the fig-leaf position, firmly clasped directly in front of his crotch."

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She added: "When the other dancers began to jiggle about at the end scene Giovanni was subdued, maintaining this fig leaf pose while the others were all leaping around. Giovanni did seem to be pulling pranks at some point, mainly on fellow pro dancer Nikita. Having pulled Nikita to stand in front of him like a shield from the camera, Giovanni seemed to be pulling him around and play-fighting while Nikita struggled to stay in place with the required smile on his face."

Giovanni posted a tribute to Amanda earlier this week (Instagram)

Giovanni and Amanda were partnered together on the show (PA)

When it was announced that Amanda had quit the show, bosses shared a statement which Fleur East read out on It Takes Two. On Monday evening, she read out the statement, which 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."

Amanda also issued her own statement on social media, where she admitted she could not continue on the programme but thanked her fans and supporters as well as the whole Strictly team for their love and support.

She wrote: "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"

Giovanni also issued his own statement, where he paid tribute to his co-star Amanda. He shared: "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."

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Judi James