Strictly fans call on show legend to ‘step in’ and dance with Amanda Abbington after ‘Giovanni feud’
STRICTLY fans have suggested Neil Jones could be the key to keeping Amanda Abbington in the competition.
The actress, 49, bowed out this week for “personal reasons” amid a feud with her partner Giovanni Pernice, 33.
Viewers have called on professional dancer Neil to “step in” and dance with Amanda so she can return to the show.
One said: “Couldn’t Neil step in? It’s a personality clash. Not everyone gets on, not matter how lovely they are.”
Neil wrote a heartfelt message to Amanda upon hearing the news she had quit.
He told her: “We love you and will miss you, you are so talented and a beautiful soul.”
Fans were devastated when Neil missed out on getting a celebrity partner again this year.
Neil has only ever been partnered with two celebs – despite being a fan favourite since joining the show seven years ago.
The new dad – whose partner Chyna Mills gave birth last week – has been sat on the sidelines this series.
He still works alongside his ex-wife Katya on the show, who’s partnered with finalist favourite Nigel Harman.
Meanwhile Giovanni’s “clash” with Amanda was exposed when she failed to thank him in her farewell Instagram post.
Despite thanking her fellow contestants and production team, Giovanni was not mentioned.
He did not like or comment on the post, instead telling friends they’d “barely spoken” in ten days.
Giovanni was said to be “annoyed” to find out she’d quit the show from a member of the Strictly production team.
In a statement on Instagram, Amanda 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.
“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. Xxx”