Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has been forced to cancel a show on his forthcoming UK tour owing to construction work.
The 33-year old had been scheduled to perform at Cardiff’s St. David’s Hall on January 24, 2024. However, the venue has confirmed that a RAAC concrete issue has forced its closure for the foreseeable future.
It follows further disappointing news concerning the Italian on Monday that saw his Strictly partner, Amanda Abbington withdraw from the competition for medical reasons. It Takes Two host Fleur East confirmed the actress’ departure on Monday (October 23), which ends Giovanni’s hopes of lifting the Glitterball Trophy for a second time in three years.
READ MORE:Strictly Giovanni Pernice’s heartbreaking statement as Amanda Abbington quits show
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In a brief statement on behalf of the BBC, former X Factor star Fleur read: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
(Image: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)
Giovanni’s Let Me Entertain You tour kicks off in Hayes, Greater London on January 18th and following dozens of shows, ends in Woking, Surrey, on April 30th.
The ballroom specialist’s night in the Welsh capital promised an outstanding cast of fellow pro dancers and West End performers for an “unforgettable” evening of “non-stop action”. Ticketholders have been told they will be refunded in full for the cancellation.
A statement on the Cardiff venue’s web site reads: “St David’s Hall will be closed until the new year to undertake additional checks on the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels in the building.”
(Image: giovannipernice/instagram)
Concerns Amanda was quitting Strictly, meanwhile, had been swirling since she was unable to perform last weekend citing her health. Rumours of a rift between her and Giovanni had also been making headlines, though the pair strongly denied a fallout during It Takes Two last week.
At the time, host Janette Manrara probed: “It honestly looks like you two are having the best time in rehearsals, getting along like a house on fire in rehearsals right?” Shutting down those rumours, however, Sherlock star Amanda 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.”
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
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Giovanni took to his Instagram account on Monday evening to share his thoughts on his partner’s untimely departure, as he posted a light-hearted snap of the pair backstage in their pyjamas.
He penned: “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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
