Amanda Abbington is hit by claims she struggled with Strictly pro partner Giovanni Pernice’s ‘militant approach to training as feud rumours grow: ‘They weren’t gelling’

Massive amounts of speculation from fans has followed Amanda Abbington’s Strictly exit.

The actress, 49, is said to be devastated to drop out of the series after her time on the show was ‘plagued by difficulties’.

The news comes after Amanda shared a poignant post about mental health after pulling out of Saturday’s show and skipped dancing with partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, due to medical reasons.

An inside source, who declined to be named, has now told The Telegraph: ‘It could be that she didn’t know what she let herself in for.’

The insider continued: ‘He was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn’t very well, that wouldn’t have helped. She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn’t cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there’s something else going on I don’t know.’ 

At the beginning of this season, The Sun reported that Amanda was ‘threatening to quit’ after also rowing with Giovanni over his ‘militant style’ in the training room.

Exit: Massive amounts of speculation from fans has followed Amanda Abbington’s Strictly exit

Out: The news comes after Amanda shared a poignant post about mental health after pulling out of Saturday’s show and skipped dancing with partner Giovanni Pernice, 33, due to medical reasons

And while addressing why she quit the show on Instagram on Tuesday, she thanks her team but failed to mention her professional dance partner. 

Meanwhile, one fan speculated on Twitter: ‘That Amanda Abbington statement leaves more questions than answers, especially when you remember that rumoured feud with Giovanni they were forced to deny. The plot thickens.’

Another wrote: ‘So it’s confirmed that Amanda Abbington has had to completely pull out of #Strictly. It’s always sad when someone has to pull out, but given what we’ve heard about her mental health, this one feels particularly gut wrenching. Please, if anyone out there is struggling, get help.’

It was confirmed on the Strictly spinoff show It Takes Two on Monday evening that Amanda was leaving the competition.

A montage of Amanda’s best moments on the series was shown, before host Fleur East added: ‘Amanda we are sending you all of our love’.

A Strictly insider told MailOnline about Amanda’s withdrawal: ‘This has been something that Amanda has been unfortunately having to consider making since late last week.

‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn’t think there was any other option.

‘As hard as it has been, there was a chance they could have won.’

In a heartfelt post shared to Instagram the actress explained that she had withdrawn from the show for ‘personal reasons’ and she’s ‘sad’ not to be going any further.

She thanked the ‘incredible production’ and said it was an ‘absolute joy’ working with her fellow contestants, though she didn’t pay tribute to her professional partner, Giovanni.

On his Instagram profile, Giovanni shared a photo of the couple backstage saying he was ‘sad’ they couldn’t continue but he was ‘proud’ of everything they have achieved.

Gutted: They said: ‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey has been plagued by difficulties but she just didn’t think there was any other option’

One fan speculated on Twitter: ‘That Amanda Abbington statement leaves more questions than answers, especially when you remember that rumoured feud with Giovanni they were forced to deny. The plot thickens.’

Following seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting that this could be Giovanni’s last season performing with a celebrity partner.

One wrote: ‘I think this will be your last year… you have outgrown Strictly, and I think you know that.’

Another said: ‘I am devastated for you. I was supporting you both and voting. Will we still see you dance on Strictly next year?’

But sources close to Giovanni say that while those conversations won’t take place until 2024 that he isn’t even considering leaving the show.

At the beginning of this season, The Sun reported that Amanda was ‘threatening to quit’ after also rowing with Giovanni over his ‘militant style’ in the training room. 

It was announced on It Takes Two on Friday that Amanda had dropped out of this weekend’s live show due to medical reasons and is set to return next week.

Sweet message: Amanda’s professional partner on Strictly Come Dancing Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence after she quit the show

Poignant: She shared these words alongside the picture as she updated her fans on how she was feeling and thanked those she had worked with 

After reportedly sharing a poignant message about mental health herself, it now seems her partner Jonathan Goodwin has hinted at the same thing in his own social media post (pictured)

Amanda reportedly shared a poignant message to her Instagram Stories on Saturday in a now-deleted post.

She re-shared a quote about mental health from late actor Robin Williams originally posted by an account called ‘positiveminds011’, according to The Mirror .

The poignant quote read: ‘People don’t fake depression … they fake being okay. Remember that. Be kind.’

Amanda has seemingly since deleted the post, as it is no longer featured on her Instagram Stories.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE CONTESTANTS’ PROFILES

Angela Rippon

Age: 78 

Profession: Journalist 

Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’

Amanda Abbington

Age: 49

Profession: Actress

Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

 Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Age: 53

Profession: Journalist

Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’

Eddie Kadi

Age: 40

Profession: Comedian and radio presenter

Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

Age: 39

Profession: TV presenter

Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’ 

Zara McDermott 

Age: 26

Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star

Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’

Adam Thomas 

Age: 34 

Profession: Actor and presenter

Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’

Ellie Leach 

Age: 22

Profession:  Coronation Street star

Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’

Bobby Brazier 

Age: 20

Profession:  EastEnders star and model 

Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’

Nigel Harman 

Age: 49 

Profession:  Actor

Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’

Annabel Croft 

Age: 57 

Profession:  Broadcaster and ex tennis player

Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’

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