28 October 2023 , 16:35
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Given Giovanni Pernice's legion of fans, many hoped he would be lifting the Glitterball Trophy in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. To his delight, he was partnered with Amanda Abbington and admitted he was a big fan of her work when their pairing was announced.
She too was ecstatic, telling viewers: "I went nuts because I wanted Giovanni so it was a really lovely surprise. I got really emotional, it was wonderful because I wasn't expecting you. While the 33-year-old Italian pro joked: "And I went nuts because she wanted me so I'm always pleased for you" before adding: "I was pleased for me because I'm a fan of Sherlock Holmes so when I saw her on the line-up firstly I was like 'Oh, she's the one.'"
However it wasn't meant to be. This week the 49-year-old actress sensationally announced her withdrawal from the show - and it came following reports that she had been butting heads with Giovanni.
Amanda has now officially quit the show after being missing due to 'medical reasons' (BBC/Ray Burmiston)
There have been reports of a fall out between Giovanni and Amanda (PA)As the pair were locked into gruelling training regimes together, cracks began to show and rumours of a rift swirled. Her exit came after missing the weekend's shows due to 'medical reasons'.
A spokesperson for Strictly announced: "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." While a source told the Daily Star that Amanda had quit the competition completely due to setbacks.
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"The schedule is very gruelling and after a series of setbacks on the show she has simply decided, with regret, that it's the right thing to do," the source claimed. Giovanni, 33, broke his silence following the news with a message of support, saying: "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."
So where did it all go wrong between the pair, according to reports? At the start of the series, there were suggestions of a 'clash' between the strong-willed partners over Giovanni's intensive training routines.
The impressive pair achieved many scores in the 30s from judges (PA)Are you sad to see Amanda and Giovanni leave Strictly? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The pair were reportedly struggling in their partnership, with Amanda said to be left feeling miserable over his "aggressive training style and attitude" during their training sessions. A source revealed that Giovanni is a "hard taskmaster and takes the competition very, very seriously". "Sometimes his manner is incredibly brusque and this can upset his partners. Amanda was really looking forward to dancing with him, but has found his aggressive training style and attitude pretty difficult to handle," the insider told The Sun.
But the two stars spoke out on social media to deny the alleged 'clashes'. In a sweary rant, insisting things were "all good" between them, Amanda told fans: "Because who does care what other people think, there’s a life lesson." She added that she was "very excited and very, very nervous, but it’s all fun," before sharing: "Ignoring the bulls***, because clearly people are t****.
"Just stop it, stop it, grow up. No one gives a s***. Shut up, it’s b****cks, so f*** off. You know who I’m talking to as well. Come on, jog on, it's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. It's all good." Giovanni also addressed the claims, posting on Instagram: "I usually don't say those things early (as everybody know) but I'm extremely proud of you [Amanda] and I can't wait for people to watch we have created."
Giovanni and Amanda shared a passionate kiss after their performance (BBC)Before missing the weekend's dance, the Mr Selfridge actress and Giovanni had also been forced to deny rumours of a feud on TV. Appearing on Strictly's sister show It Takes Two last month, the pair displayed a united front as host Janette Manrara said: "It honestly looks like you two are having the best time in rehearsals, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?"
Amanda agreed and replied: "Yeah we are, we are! We do and we laugh a lot, we have the same sense of humour which is really important. So we'll come out, work hard, and then we just laugh don't we." And at the start of the month, Giovanni seemingly put the rumours to bed after planting a passionate kiss on Amanda's lips at the close of their steamy Salsa routine.
The couple set the dancefloor on fire in week two with their routine dubbed their dance 'the best one of the night', sealed with the kiss, before receiving an impressive score of 32 from the judges. When Amanda last appeared on the show, she scored 31 for a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac, one of her favourite bands.
Following the news that Amanda was missing the show at the weekend due to 'medical reasons', the mum-of-two shared a poignant message with her Instagram followers the next morning. Including a photo and quote from late actor Robin Williams, she reminded people: "People don't fake depression... they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind." On Tuesday morning, she released a statement following the official announcement, saying she left due to 'personal reasons.'
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While the actress thanked the 'kind' production team and said what a joy it was to appear alongside the other celebrity contestants, she failed to mention her Strictly partner directly. She added: "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."