Amanda Abbington has bagged a major new role as the lead in the theatrical memoir, When It Happens To You.
The 52 year old actress expressed her excitement about being part of the show. This news comes on the heels of reports that her former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, has quit the BBC show.
Amanda is moving forward in her career with this new role in When It Happens to You. The memoir is based on Tawni O'Dell's personal journey of keeping her family together after a life-altering event.
The Sherlock star confessed she was hooked on the book and couldn't put it down, and will now be leading an ensemble cast.
Sharing her thoughts on the opportunity, Amanda said: "When Jez sent me When It Happens to You, I immediately read it in one sitting I couldn't put it down. The story is important and necessary, and the characters are nuanced, complex and completely relatable."
"The Mother character of Tara is a gift of a role for any actor, and I'm thrilled to be working with Jez Bond who I know will direct the piece with the care and sensitivity it deserves."
Jez Bond chimed in: "When It Happens to You is an important, timely and powerful piece of theatre. I'm thrilled to be working with Amanda Abbington who read the play and, like me, immediately felt compelled to do it. The best theatre is often a story told simply that connects to the heart of the audience, and I can't think of a more powerful play to present within the intimate setting of Park200. By equal turns heart-breaking and hopeful, we invite you in to experience this truly theatrical page turner."
It comes amid reports that Giovanni has told friends that he will not be returning for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. His 2023 partner Amanda quit the show early and shared that she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on it.
A source told The Sun: "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start."
"He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times."
They continued: "He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age. He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority."
In a statement to OK!, the BBC said: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
Giovanni is currently on holiday in Dubai with his girlfriend Molly Brown.
