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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Amanda Abbington ‘didn’t give dance partner Giovanni Pernice advance warning she was quitting Strictly’

Amanda Abbington reportedly never informed her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice that she was quitting.

Instead it has been claimed that the pro dancer, 33, was told about her sudden departure by show producers hours before the official statement was released on Tuesday.

It was confirmed on Monday night that the Sherlock star was dropping out of the BBC One competition. The star also didn’t take part in Saturday’s live show “due to medical reasons”.

In light of her departure, a source told the Daily Star: “Amanda didn't tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the show. The first he heard was a call from a producer.

“This has really annoyed him. He's barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn't been replying to messages or telling him what's happening.”

The Standard has contacted representatives of Strictly Come Dancing for comment.

The report comes after the actress broke her silence about quitting the show on Instagram on Tuesday where she notably thanked her team but failed to mention Pernice.

In the post, the TV star didn't share why she had quit but instead said she hadn't come to the “decision lightly”.

She wrote: “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,” she continued.

“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.”

Despite Abbington's departure, the BBC competition will continue as normal for the rest of the series, with an elimination each week until the final, the PA news agency reported on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, It Takes Two presenter and singer Fleur East confirmed Abbington had left Strictly, and said “the show wishes her all the best for the future”.

A compilation of the actress’s best moments was played before East added: “Amanda, we are sending you all of our love.”In her last appearance on the show, Abbington scored 31 for a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac, with judge Motsi Mabuse saying she enjoyed the couple taking the time to show the “beauty of the movement”.

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