Amanda Abbington’s Strictly partner Giovanni breaks silence after abrupt exit

The actress recently withdrew from the competition.

By Katelyn Mensah

Published: Tuesday, 24 October 2023 at 09:00 AM

Giovanni Pernice has spoken out following Amanda Abbington’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

The news of Abbington’s departure from the show was confirmed on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Monday 23rd October.

Co-host Fleur East announced the news and said: “We have just received the news that Amanda Abbington won’t be returning to Strictly Come Dancing.”

Her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, posted a message on his Instagram page, saying he is “so sad” they can’t continue in the competition.

“I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love,” he wrote.

Prior to the news of Abbington’s withdrawal from the competition, she and Pernice missed out on last weekend’s show due to medical reasons.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice. BBC/Guy Levy

Her absence from the show was confirmed by It Takes Two co-host Janette Manrara, who explained that “all being well, Amanda and Giovanni will return the following week”.

In previous weeks, Abbington had been consistently finishing in the top half of the Strictly leaderboard, impressing the judges and the audience with her high scores and dance routines with Pernice.

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Strictly Come Dancing later confirmed the news of Abbington’s departure after it was announced on It Takes Two.

“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,” a spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing said.