Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice sparks concern as he looks ‘sad and lost’ on show after Amanda Abbington’s shock exit
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left feeling concerned for Giovanni Pernice as he appeared on the show this evening.
The pro dancer, 33, has been forced to step down from the competition after his partner – Amanda Abbington – made the sudden decision to quit.
Amanda announced she was leaving the series this week amid reports she struggled to get along with Giovanni.
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.”
Giovanni appeared in the background this evening and one fan tweeted: “Poor Giovanni looked completely lost and sad tonight.”
And a second added: “Poor #Giovanni he looks devastated.”
Meanwhile, body language expert Judi James said the dancer looked like he really didn’t want to be there.
She told the Mirror: “Giovanni did everything to stay out of shot, actually pulling other pro dancers to stand in front of him and when he was visible he looked distracted with an eye-dart rather than focusing on the competing couple.
“He assumed a pose that looked submissive and self-protective, standing with his hands in the fig-leaf position, firmly clasped directly in front of his crotch.”
Prior to her exit The Sun revealed there was friction between the pair earlier this month.
Amanda had “threatened” to quit because she was unhappy with the dance pro’s “militant” attitude in training.
The pair were at loggerheads, but put on a brave face while in front of the cameras.
Amanda skipped last week’s performance and then swiftly pulled out – leaving fans in the dark about why.