Amanda Abbington has landed a major new role – amid reports her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice has “quit” the BBC show.
Allegations from Amanda and other celebrity partners claimed Giovanni’s training technique was harsh – allegedly leaving Amanda in tears and diagnosed with mild post traumatic stress disorder after her time on the competition. The Sherlock star told The Sun: “I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally.
“I’m very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.”
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Giovanni, meanwhile, is reportedly “adamant” he has done nothing wrong, but is said to be searching for fresh opportunities due to the “scrutiny” placed on him. Now Amanda has beat him to the punch, landing a role in theatre show When It Happens To You.
(Image: BBC)
She’s set to lead an ensemble cast in the play, which tells the story of a mother desperately trying to keep her family together after a devastating event changes their lives forever. In a promo video for the play, Amanda said: “It’s a story about love and overcoming adversity. The subject matter, even though it is what it is… there’s something joyful and uplifting and encouraging at the end.”
The play is set to run in July and August at London’s Park Theatre. It’s a stark contrast to Giovanni’s next move, which will reportedly be away from the show he knows best.
(Image: Park Theatre)
A source claimed to The Sun: “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start. He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
“He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.” The source added Giovanni has “a lot of exciting projects” to come, and is “super excited” to get moving with them.
(Image: Park Theatre)
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The BBC, meanwhile, would only confirm: “The professional dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 will be announced in due course” – but didn’t deny the reports. Gio has just wrapped his latest solo tour, with another to come next year before he takes a break.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
