'Strictly Come Dancing' star Giovanni Pernice was reportedly left feeling "frustrated'' over Amanda Abbington's exit from the show.
Giovanni Pernice was reportedly frustrated over Amanda Abbington's exit from Strictly
The 49-year-old actress quit the BBC One talent series this week for "personal reasons" and a new report suggests her dance partner Giovanni, 33, was left in the dark over her decision but was eventually told in a phone call from producers.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Amanda didn’t tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the show. The first he heard was a call from a producer.
"This has really annoyed him. He’s barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening.
"He’s been complaining about it to friends. He’s frustrated."
Amanda's decision to depart the show was confirmed on ‘Strictly’ spin-off show ‘It Takes Two’ on Monday night (23.10.23). A 'Strictly' spokesperson later issued a brief statement that read: "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."
She later broke her silence on the decision in a lengthy post on Instagram in which she praised her "hardworking and talented" fellow contestants, admitting it was an "absolute joy" working with them.
She 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." Amanda also thanked the "incredible" production team on the show, and admitted she is "so sad" she cannot continue with the programme. She added: "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 (sic)"
However, some fans pointed out she didn't mention her pro partner Giovanni in her post. Giovanni took to Instagram on Monday night (23.10.23) to speak about her departure, admitting he finds it "so sad" they cannot continue in the competition. He 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_abbington74 @bbcstrictly (sic)".
Tagged in Amanda Abbington