Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice has thanked his fans for their support after his former dance partner Amanda Abbington made some allegations about their training sessions.
The Sherlock actress reportedly claimed her time on the BBC series left her “broken and saddened” and has reportedly asked BBC bosses for footage of their rehearsals. Taking to Instagram, the dance professional wrote: “One week today we open ‘LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU’. We’re working hard but it is going to be epic.”
He also thanked his fans for their support during tough times: “I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has sent message of support of the last week – I really truly appreciate it – thank you thank you thank you Gio.”
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Fans showed Giovanni lots of love in the comments. One fan said: “Delighted to bump into you at a dance studio recently. You were so charming. All our support x.” Another wrote: “You’re a fantastic dancer and yes I bet it Can be really hard work and demanding but these contestants know what they are getting in for.”
(Image: Getty)
Amanda left Strictly in October for “personal reasons” without giving more details. Later, she shared: “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.”
(Image: Instagram)
“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.”
Reports claim that Amanda has shared with friends that she suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since her time on Strictly, and is asking for backstage video from her training with Giovanni. An undisclosed friend of hers allegedly said to The Sun: “There is a feeling that the recordings will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense.” They also mentioned that Giovanni could be “incredibly full-on” as he is a “perfectionist”.
(Image: No credit)
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Strictly chiefs deny getting any formal complaints about Giovanni’s methods and they’re puzzled by Amanda’s accusations. Insiders at the show acknowledge Giovanni being a perfectionist and admit there might be occasional grumbles about his style, but they maintain that his behaviour has never been inappropriate enough to prompt any inquiries. None of his previous dance partners made any complaints, sources added. After discussing with him regarding the PTSD allegations, one source commented that such claims were “excessive”. Daily Star has reached out to Giovanni’s representative for a comment.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up Daily Star’s editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to starletters@dailystar.co.uk
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
