Giovanni Pernice posts for first time since Amanda Abbington refused to reunite with him for Strictly final performance
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice has broken cover for the first time since it was revealed Amanda Abbington has snubbed the final.
Giovanni, 33, logged onto social media days after news broke that the Sherlock actress will not be returning with the rest of this year’s celebrities tomorrow night.
But the Strictly pro has not even acknowledged his former dance partner’s snub in his post.
Instead, Giovanni has gushed to his fans about his latest business venture, which is away from the ballroom.
The Italian dancer has launched his very own fragrance for men and women and described it as a “dream come true”.
Giovanni gushed: “My dream come true is finally here!
“VITA is my new fragrance for men and women – an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily.
“I have long been passionate about fragrance and the way scent can captivate the emotions and transport us to another place. VITA is the embodiment of my passions, a personal and complex fragrance which slowly seduces as it unfolds on the skin.
“I hope you love VITA as much as I do.”
It was revealed on Tuesday that Amanda will not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing for this weekend’s live final.
A spokesman for Stricty told OK!: “Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final.”
Amanda had been considered a dark horse for the Glitterball Trophy but made a shock exit midway through the competition due to “personal reasons”.
Following her departure, Giovanni paid tribute to Amanda by sharing a picture of them cuddling in Christmas jumpers on Instagram.
He wrote: “I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
But Amanda made no mention of Giovanni in her statement leading fans to speculate there was a rift between them.
Alongside a snap of a pair of worn out dancing shoes, she posted on the social media site: “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.”
This weekend, three remaining couples will battle it out to be crowned the Strictly champs on 2023.
Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Layton Williams have made it to the final after Annabel Croft became the latest celebrity to leave last Sunday.
- Strictly Come Dancing: The Final, 7pm, BBC1, Saturday December 16