27 October 2023 , 11:53
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BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Giovanni Pernice might be leaving the show to 'follow in his co-star's footsteps', according to a former pro.
The ex-pro hinted at Giovanni's potential exit after Amanda Abbington left the show. Joanne Clifton, who won Strictly with Ore Oduba, suggested that Giovanni could leave. Speaking on behalf of Betway Slots, she said: "Many of us would like to have a go at judging. I completely get why Anton wanted to. I can see Giovanni Pernice going for it in a couple of years' time."
The current judges are Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood. Joanne added: "He could definitely be a type of Bruno Tonioli on the panel as he and Anton have their show together. He has a great personality." Fans were disappointed when Abbington pulled out of the competition this week, meaning they wouldn't see Gio perform during Halloween Week.
Joanne shared: "Anton is ballroom through and through, like me, and it's good to have another expertise on the panel. He's just always himself, and it's like he was made for it. Anton is a natural and he completely deserves it, too he's been there from the very beginning."
BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice 'quitting' after Amanda Abbington exit (Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)She also mentioned BBC Bad Education star Layton Williams and BBC Casualty and EastEnders actor Nigel Harman as ones to watch in the current series, with live shows every Saturday and results the next evening. "I think he will be a finalist," she predicted about the competition.
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Amanda made the difficult decision to exit Strictly Come Dancing just four weeks in after missing a live show over the weekend due to 'medical reasons'. On Tuesday, the Sherlock star explained her exit "didn't come easily" but for 'personal reasons' she was 'unable to continue'.
In her statement posted on her Instagram, she thanked her co-stars, production team and viewers. It did not go unnoticed that she opted to snub her professional dancer partner Giovanni Pernice in the final goodbye, hinting at a possible fallout between the two stars.
Amanda left the show this week (PA)
Joanne shared her predictions (WireImage)Following her departure from the show, Amanda took to her social media page to explain her decision. 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. 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. xxx"
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