25 October 2023 , 11:07
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Amanda Abbington reportedly didn't "gel" with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice before walking away from the BBC series.
The actress, 49, was apparently "frazzled and fragile" before making the decision to quit the competition, with it reported insiders who work on the glitzy TV show "aren't surprised" the mum-of-two called time on her Strictly journey early. It's claimed Amanda "didn't know what she'd let herself in for" before signing up to be a Strictly star.
Amanda failed to mention Giovanni when she shared a statement with her Instagram followers on Tuesday morning, instead thanking production staff and "everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring", hinting at a feud between the pair. "We will miss you," Gorka Marquez penned in the comments underneath the post, with Jowita Przystal echoing her fellow professional as she told Amanda: "Take care darling we will miss you ! Sending lots of love." Giovanni is yet to like or comment on his celebrity partner's Instagram post.
There have been rumours of a backstage 'feud' between Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice (BBC)Amid the growing speculation regarding a feud between Giovanni and Amanda, an insider has told The Telegraph: "It could be that she [Amanda] didn't know what she let herself in for. From the very beginning they weren't gelling. Obviously they were putting a brave face on it, but the issue was clearly not being solved."
The source went on to add: "He was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn't very well, that wouldn't have helped. She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn't cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there's something else going on I don't know."
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Italian dancer Giovanni, who lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2021, broke his silence regarding Amanda’s exit on Instagram on Monday night. Sharing a snap of himself and Amanda taken backstage during Movie Week, Giovanni wrote: "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 is yet to like or comment on Giovanni’s tribute.
The Sherlock actress withdrawing from this year’s season of Strictly follows the mum-of-two missing this weekend’s live show due to medical reasons, but she was granted a bye to Halloween week . On Friday, It Takes Two host Janette Manrara told viewers of Strictly’s sister show: "We have some breaking news, unfortunately due to medical reasons, Amanda will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week. Amanda, we hope you get well soon my love, sending you all the best wishes!"
A representative for Strictly Come Dancing went on to tell The Mirror in a further statement of Amanda's break from the show: "Due to medical reasons Amanda Abbington will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week."
However, on Monday night it was confirmed Amanda would not be returning to the competition and had withdrawn. It’s understood the 21st series of Strictly will continue as normal with a couple being voted off each week following a dance-off in front of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
Amanda’s statement in full regarding her decision to leave Strictly reads: "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."