BBC Strictly’s Amanda Abbington will not be returning for the show’s final, seen as a snub following a reported feud with Giovanni
Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice will perform solo in the final show as Amanda Abbington has withdrawn amid reports of a disagreement with the professional dancer.
Amanda Abbington has opted out of attending the Strictly Come Dancing final. This decision comes after her early departure from the competition and rumours of a disagreement with Giovanni Pernice.
Consequently, Giovanni Pernice, the professional dancer, will perform solo while the other contestants return for the final showdown.
Following her abrupt exit in October, which reportedly left Giovanni feeling upset, Amanda has broken her silence, citing “personal reasons” for her departure. While expressing gratitude to everyone involved in Strictly, she omitted any mention of Giovanni in her statement. In response, Giovanni expressed his disappointment on Instagram regarding the premature end of their journey.
This weekend, Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, and Layton Williams will compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy, joined by previously eliminated contestants making a comeback.
A spokesperson from the BBC informed the Mirror, “Amanda has chosen to step back from the competition, and consequently, she won’t be making a return for the final.”
Previously, Giovanni had posted a picture of himself and Amanda dressed in festive attire on Instagram. He wrote, “I feel immensely saddened that we can’t continue, but I’m immensely proud of our accomplishments. Sending you abundant love.”
Fleur East, the host of It Takes Two, relayed a statement from the BBC: “Amanda Abbington is unable to proceed further in Strictly Come Dancing and has made the decision to withdraw from the competition. The show extends its best wishes for her future endeavors.”
Following this, Fleur presented a montage of Amanda and Giovanni’s standout moments on the show and conveyed her personal well wishes to the actress.
Jonathan Goodwin, Amanda’s partner, shared a mysterious message shortly before her departure. He posted a picture of himself with a caption that read: “We tend to be tough on ourselves, our harshest critics. But before passing judgment, ensure your self-reflection is clear.”
Additionally, he later uploaded a video demonstrating a 45-minute technique to boost productivity. His caption stated: “Discover a 45-minute method to enhance productivity, eliminate unwanted emotions, behaviours, or feelings. It’s effective and something you’re already familiar with.”
Following Strictly’s confirmation of Amanda’s exit on Monday, fans flooded social media with well wishes for Amanda and Giovanni. One fan expressed, “Devastated, they were my favourites. Sending love to Amanda and Gio,” while another added, “Sad news for Amanda and Giovanni, they’ll be missed, but health should always come first x.” A third supporter shared, “Sending heartfelt wishes – devastated for them; she was one of my favourites.”
