Giovanni Pernice looks sad, Amanda Abbington looks serious
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Amanda Abbington’s fiancé breaks his silence about her Strictly exit following that cryptic post

Amanda and Giovanni have left Strictly

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The partner of actress Amanda Abbington has broken his silence on her Strictly Come Dancing exit following that cryptic post.

Amanda and Giovanni Pernice have withdrawn from Strictly after she missed Saturday’s show due to “medical reasons”. She broke her silence this week (October 24), writing on Instagram: “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.”

She added: “I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring.

Amanda Abbington leaves Strictly

“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.”

Jonathan Goodwin, Amanda’s fiancé, commented: “You are so incredible. So unbelievably beautiful but also incredibly brave. I’m so proud to be your man.”

‘We can be so hard on ourselves…’

It comes after he shared a selfie Story on Instagram on Monday. Across the image, the former escapologist added: “We can be so hard on ourselves… be our own worst critics… but before you judge yourself… make sure your mirror is clean.”

The 43-year-old, left paralysed from the waist down when an America’s Got Talent stunt rehearsal in October 2021 went wrong, has been engaged to Sherlock star Amanda for two years.

Amanda Abbington scratches her head
Amanda Abbington did not take part in Strictly this past weekend (Credit: BBC)

Amanda Abbington news

Additionally, Amanda shared an Insta Story of her own on Saturday (October 21) morning – before reportedly deleting it.

She shared an image of late actor Robin Williams in character as Mrs Doubtfire with an inspirational quote. It read: “People don’t fake depression… they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind.”

Jonathan Goodwin shares an Instagram Story
Jonathan Goodwin shared this Instagram Story on Monday morning (Credit: Instagram)

The posts come after Amanda missed out on performing over the weekend.

It was announced last Friday (October 20) evening that she wouldn’t dance due to medical reasons.

Amanda Abbington sits next to Giovanni Pernice
Amanda and Giovanni will no longer compete on Strictly (Credit: BBC)

On Monday, Strictly announced that Amanda and Giovanni have left the series. A statement read: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”

Read more: Backlash; ‘feud’ rumours with Giovanni; medical issues: A complete timeline of events leading up to Amanda Abbington’s Strictly exit

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 continues on Saturday October 28, on BBC One at 6.40pm. It Takes Two airs on weekdays on BBC Two, at 6.30pm.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer