Amanda Abbington has been making headlines recently after bowing out of Strictly Come Dancing due to personal reasons. Whilst her pro partner Giovanni Pernice was quick to share his support for the star on social media, fans noticed that the Sherlock actress didn't mention the Italian dancer in her statement.
Since Amanda broke her silence, fans have been speculating about the relationship between her and Giovanni amid reports that the pair had fallen out. But what exactly have the duo said about training together? Keep reading to find out…
Shutting down feud rumours
In the lead-up to the first live show, rumours began circulating about escalating tensions between Amanda and Giovanni.
However, just hours before taking to the ballroom floor for the first time, Amanda seemingly addressed the feud claims in a post to Instagram. "Ignoring the [expletive], because clearly people are [expletive]," she told her followers in a video filmed from her dressing room.
© Ray Burniston"Just stop it, stop it, grow up. No one gives a [expletive]. Shut up, it's [expletive], so [expletive] off," she continued, adding: "You know who I'm talking to as well. Come on, jog on, it's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. It's all good."
Giovanni said she was proud of Amanda
Giovanni also appeared to address the rift rumours ahead of the first live show. He wrote on social media: "I usually don't say those things early (as everybody know) but I'm extremely proud of you [Amanda] and I can't wait for people to watch we have created."
© Guy LevyAmanda said she was in 'safe hands' with Giovanni
During rehearsals, Amanda made it clear that she was having fun in the training room, and felt "safe" in Giovanni's hands. Taking to her Instagram Stories at the end of a long day, a beaming Amanda wrote: "The smile you give your pro partner at the end of the camera rehearsal when you know you are in safe and hugely talented hands. Giovanni Pernice ya legend, see you all tomorrow."
Amanda said Giovanni is 'really disciplined'
Chatting on It Takes Two after week one, Amanda praised Giovanni's teaching skills. "I've got a good teacher," she said. "He's really disciplined and he tells me like it is and I need that because I found out that I'm actually quite lazy. I have a good comfort zone.
"It's wonderful. We're having a great time," she added.
© BBCGiovanni admitted to being 'very strict'
In October, Giovanni admitted to being a "very strict" teacher. During an interview with virginradio.co.uk, the 33-year-old was quick to interject when Amanda was asked about his training style.
"I can answer that question for her," he quipped, adding: "I'm very, very strict.
"The only reason why is because first of all, I know my partner's got massive potential, and obviously, I want her to look the best on a Saturday night.
"And second of all, because I believe in Amanda," he continued. "I know exactly how much she can bring on a Saturday night."
Meanwhile, Amanda seemed to appreciate Giovanni's demanding style, saying: "It works, it just works".
She added: "[He's] a great teacher… He's everything you want a teacher to be, because you know, by Thursday it's in and ready to go."
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Amanda said the pair 'laughed a lot' during training
Whilst chatting on It Takes Two after week one, Amanda revealed that the pair got on like a house on fire in the rehearsal room. "We laugh a lot," she revealed. "We have the same sense of humour, which is really important. So we'll work hard and then have a laugh."
Giovanni added: "We do have a good time but at the same time, obviously, we have to get things done. We have to get out on Saturday night.
"It's a difficult process, especially for people who haven't done Strictly before. I always say it's a marathon, not a sprint."
© Guy LevyGiovanni said he was 'proud' of Amanda after her exit
Following Strictly's official announcement that Amanda had left the show, Giovanni took to Instagram to express his sadness over her departure. "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," he penned.
© Giovanni Pernice/InstagramAmanda leaves Giovanni's name out of her exit statement
Amanda took to Instagram with her own statement after her exit was announced by the BBC.
Sharing a photo of a pair of dancing shoes, she shared her regret over leaving the show, explaining that she had pulled out due to personal reasons.
"It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly," she penned. "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.
"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."
Every Strictly Come Dancing winner so far
- 2004: Natisha Kaplinsky (partner Brendan Cole)
- 2004: Jill Halfpenny (partner Darren Bennett)
- 2005: Darren Gough (partner Lilia Kopylova)
- 2006: Mark Ramprakash (partner Karen Hardy)
- 2007: Alesha Dixon (partner Matthew Cutler)
- 2008: Tom Chambers (partner Camilla Dallerup)
- 2009: Chris Hollins (partner Ola Jordan)
- 2010: Kara Tointon (partner Artem Chigvintsev)
- 2011: Harry Judd (partner Aliona Vilani)
- 2012: Louis Smith (partner Flavia Cacace)
- 2013: Abbey Clancy (partner Aljaž Škorjanec)
- 2014: Caroline Flack (partner Pasha Kovalev)
- 2015: Jay McGuiness (partner Aliona Vilani)
- 2016: Ore Oduba (partner Joanne Clifton)
- 2017: Joe McFadden (partner Katya Jones)
- 2018: Stacey Dooley (partner Kevin Clifton)
- 2019: Kelvin Fletcher (partner Oti Mabuse)
- 2020: Bill Bailey (partner Oti Mabuse)
- 2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis (partner Giovanni Pernice)
- 2022: Hamza Yassin (partner Jowita Przystał)
