Giovanni Pernice breaks silence as Strictly partner Amanda Abbington snubs final
Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence for the first time since news broke Amanda Abbington won’t be returning for the Strictly Come Dancing finale.
The 33-year-old Italian dance professional was matched with 51-year-old Sherlock actress Amanda for the 2023 season of the BBC’s long-running dance competition. And while the duo set the dance floor alight with their sizzling routines, rumours emerged that the pari clashed behind-the-scenes of the show.
Ahead of the fifth week of the dance contest, Amanda and, by association, Giovanni withdrew due to a reported medical incident. Fans hoped to see the pair back the following weekend, and show bosses offered them the chance to return after missing one weekend of shows.
However, it was then reported that the pair would quit the show entirely on medical grounds. This week, it was revealed Amanda won’t be returning for the live finale - which sees all past contestants return to the ballroom; including fellow star Nigel Harman who was forced to quit the contest after breaking a rib.
Giovanni Pernice has reflected on past dance experiences - but not with his 2023 Strictly partner (SplashNews.com)
Amanda Abbington reportedly won't return for the Strictly 2023 live final (Instagram/amanda_abbington74)But it seems Giovanni couldn't give a Foxtrot over Amanda not returning for the final show - as he has been reflecting on dancing with other women instead. Taking to social media for the first time since her non-return was announced, Giovanni shared a video of himself dancing on a past tour with fellow Strictly professional Lauren Oakley.
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He wrote: “Still one of my favorite dances from our tour @laurenmayoakley ! We both so excited to show you what we are creating with the genius @alanburkitt for the new tour coming up in 2024!”
On Tuesday it was confirmed Amanda would not return for the last episode in the season, with a show spokesperson telling OK! Magazine: "Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final."
Italian dance sensation Giovanni had previously expressed his sadness at dropping out of the contest, writing online previously: "I am so sad we can't continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love." But Amanda failed to mention her dance partner when she eventually addressed their early exit.
She instead 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.” She added: “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."
Saturday night will see EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, and his dance partner Dianne Bussell, 34, Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, 22, and her dance partner Vito Coppola, 31, and West End star Layton Williams, 29, and his dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 25, battling to win the Glitterball trophy. While all the other previously eliminated couples from the contest will be back to feature on the dance floor one final time.
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