30 October 2023 , 07:44
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Giovanni Pernice is said to be 'devastated' and 'fearful over his future' after Amanda Abbington's exit from Strictly Come Dancing, according to reports.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, 33, has found himself under the spotlight throughout the last week after his dance partner, Amanda's shock exit from the show was announced. Amanda pulled out of last Saturday's show due to "medical reasons" and, it was later revealed, she had decided to bow out of this year's competition.
Since the news broke there has speculation over Giovanni and Amanda's partnership – with rumours of an alleged feud between the pair. Now, Giovanni is said to be feeling "devastated" over Amanda's exit and the dancer is said to have concerns over his future.
A source has claimed to new! magazine: "Giovanni is really competitive and dancing is his life. This could be his last ever Strictly. He’s been thinking about the future as he gets older so, if that’s the case, it’s a shame it’s ended this way.
"Amanda’s exit has been quite a shock and everyone on the show is feeling so sad about her departure. In recent weeks, they all did everything they could to support her and really rallied around her. It’s like one big family on Strictly.
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"However, it’s also a very tough competition – both physically and emotionally demanding. Giovanni is obviously upset that he’s no longer in the running for the trophy, but the whole situation has been quite hard for him to take in. He’s devastated."
Giovanni's dance partner Amanda quit the show last week (BBC)Meanwhile, other professional dancers on the show are said to have rallied around the Italian dancer – who last won the Glitterball with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021. They added: "The other professional dancers really feel for him. He was hoping they’d go far in the competition and he’s gutted it’s ended like this."
The source also said: "People are rallying around Giovanni and the other pros have been supporting him. He’s not coping very well as he’s a bit gutted and wanted to win."
Amanda spoke out on her decision to pull out of Strictly after the news was announced by Fleur East on the spin-off programme It Takes Two. The actress, 51, posted a photo on her Instagram account of a pair of dancing shoes and wrote in the caption: "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".