Strictly's Giovanni Pernice emotional 11 word response amid Amanda Abbington row

11 January 2024 , 18:39

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Strictly's Giovanni Pernice emotional 11 word response amid Amanda Abbington row

Giovanni Pernice has thanked fans for their supportive messages following his former celebrity dance partner making some allegations about their training sessions.

The Strictly Come Dancing professional took to social media to share an update with his fans following Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington reportedly claiming her time on the BBC series left her "broken and saddened".

Amanda, who was paired with Giovanni for the 2023 series before quitting in October, reportedly sought professional help due to the "behaviour she was exposed to". The actress has reportedly sought legal advice to obtain backstage footage of their rehearsals after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following her exit from the show.

It's thought that the BBC are standing behind Giovanni and won't be pursuing an investigation. "The feeling is he is a tough taskmaster, but hasn't bullied or abused anyone. The BBC see him as a key face of Strictly and will do all they can to support him," a source told the Mirror earlier this week.

The BBC are said to find Amanda Abbington's claims 'excessive'

Posting on his Instagram page on Thursday night, Giovanni wrote: "One week today we open 'LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU'. We're working hard but it is going to be epic." The dancer continued to seemingly addressed the recent drama attached to his name, telling his followers: "I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent message of support of the last wee - I really truly appreciate it - thank you thank you thank you Gio."

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The dancer's fans were quick to flood the comment section with positive messages for the 2021 Strictly champion, with one telling Giovanni: "Delighted to bump into you at a dance studio recently. You were so charming. All our support x." Another penned: "You're a fantastic dancer and yes I bet it Can be really hard work and demanding but these contestants know what they are getting in for."

Amanda left Strictly suddenly back in October, leaving fans wondering why she made the shocking choice to leave after wowing on the dancefloor with Giovanni. The actress said it was for "personal reasons" but didn't give more details when initially announcing her exit.

After leaving, she said: "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."

Giovanni shared this message with his fans on Thursday night (Instagram)

She also said: "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."

However, it's since been claimed that Amanda has told friends that she is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since her time on the BBC show and has demanded backstage footage from her training sessions with Giovanni. A source close to the actress told The Sun: "There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense." They added that Giovanni could be "incredibly full-on" as he is a "perfectionist".

Strictly bosses say they never received any formal complaint about Giovanni's training methods and are baffled by Amanda's claim. Sources on the show accept that while Giovanni is a perfectionist and there are occasional “moans” about his regime, the professional's conduct has never crossed the line to warrant any investigation. None of his previous dance partners had made any formal complaint, the source added. And after speaking to him in the wake of the PTSD claims, a BBC source added the allegations were "excessive".

Zoe Delaney