Amanda Abbington's fiancé Jonathan Goodwin has shared a cryptic post about ‘terrible circumstances’ as it was revealed that Giovanni Pernice has quit Strictly Come Dancing. In recent months Gio, 33, has been plagued with allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda, 52.
On Friday, May 16, reports emerged that the Italian dancer has quit BBC's Strictly, telling friends he is now instead seeking a fresh start on other TV shows. But just hours before the news broke, Amanda's fiance Jonathan took to social media to share a enigmatic post about 'the good and the bad'.
He wrote on Instagram: "We don’t control what happens to us… but we do control how we feel about it….
"Every single moment that we live adds depth and weight to our identity.
"The good… and the bad… it is literally impossible to become an adult and not experience at least a few terrible circumstances…
"The real test of character is how we react to them."
Giovanni's decision to step back comes on the heels of a strained partnership with Sherlock actress Amanda, during last year's show. She bowed out in October after a string of heated exchanges with Giovanni, which reportedly left her in tears due to his intense approach to rehearsals.
"Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start," a source said about Gio's alleged decision. "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."
It is claimed the BBC were backing the Italian 'all the way' and he after the broadcaster offered him a new contract. The under-fire dancing pro has reportedly ended his eight year stint on the show months after he faced allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda, who suddenly left midway through the last series.
Amanda later claimed that she had been diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder after her time on the competition. Allegations from other celebrity partners then surfaced. The dancer and Amanda were thought to have clashed backstage and during rehearsals during the Sherlock star's time on the show.
Earlier this year, Amanda reportedly requested backstage footage of her training sessions with Giovanni from BBC bosses, potentially in preparation for legal action. Giovanni, who also left the 2023 series after five weeks, is yet to comment on the situation.
