Amanda Abbington’s fiancé alludes to ‘terrible circumstances’ after Giovanni Pernice ‘quits’ Strictly
Jonathan Goodwin has shared a cryptic post as one Strictly pro faces an investigation (Picture REX)
Amanda Abbington’s fiancé has shared a cryptic post as her ex Strictly Come Dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, finds himself in hot water.
Jonathan Goodwin – a former Britain’s Got Talent contestant – penned a message referring to ‘terrible circumstances’ amid rumours that Giovanni, 33, has quit Strictly for good.
Such reports follow speculation about Giovanni’s teaching style in rehearsals, with the BBC being said to have launched an internal investigation into his so-called tough methods, with the likes of Amanda, 52, making allegations.
Taking to Instagram this week, Jonathan, 44 – who retired from stunt performing in 2021 after suffering a horrific injury – shared a photo of himself doing a praying hands pose and looking directly into the camera.
He wrote in the caption: ‘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…’
https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_prpdstxb/
‘The real test of character is how we react to them,’ he declared.
His comments section was filled with praise, with fans hailing Jonathan as an ‘inspiration’ for his mentality after severing his spinal cord and suffering several other severe injuries three years ago.
Escapologist Jonathan and Sherlock actress Amanda had been friends on social media for years before meeting and getting together after her split from Martin Freeman.
A mere 30 minutes into their first date in Vienna, he proposed, which Amanda happily accepted.
The former stunt performer was seen supporting Amanda and cheering her on several times during her Strictly stint last year, which came to a premature end when she quit midway through, despite being a favourite to do well.
It later emerged that there was frostiness between the TV star and Giovanni, with alleged heated exchanges leaving her in tears.
Giovanni Pernice is said to have quit Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Amanda Abbington sensationally quit the dance series last October (Picture: PA)
It’s now believed that two other high-profile stars have instructed lawyers after enduring similar ‘taskmaster’ vibes from Giovanni, one of Strictly’s longest-serving professionals.
These two celebrities are unnamed.
The BBC is believed to be ‘evidence gathering’ in the wake of the allegations about his alleged behaviour behind the scenes, with a source describing it as ‘troubled times’ and a ‘nightmare situation’ for the Corporation.
While the BBC declined to comment on the investigation, a spokesperson didn’t deny rumours that Giovanni has left the show when contacted by Metro.co.uk.
‘The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course,’ they stated.
Initially, The Sun reported that Giovanni has told friends he is ‘seeking a fresh start’, hence his reason for departing the dance series.
Jonathan was a huge supporter of Amanda’s during her time on Strictly (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
It’s alleged Amanda was left in tears after training with Giovanni (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
An insider said: ‘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.
‘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.’
The insider added: ‘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.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
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