Amanda Abbington took to her Instagram stories on Tuesday, February 8 to congratulate former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Johannes Radebe.
After the success of his memoir JoJo: Finally Home last year, Radebe announced he was moving into the world of movies after a production team snapped up his bestselling book.
Radebe has been part of Strictly Come Dancing since 2018 and took to his Instagram account to reveal the news to his beloved fans.
He said: “Lights, camera, and action! I am thrilled to announce that my memoir JoJo: Finally Home is being adapted into a movie.
“Partly filmed in South Africa, the movie follows my journey from a little boy to the glitz and glamour of ballroom and will celebrate the wonderful people who are part of my life and I am so grateful to.
“And of course, it will be packed with great music, big dance numbers and amazing costumes. Get your popcorn at the ready and let’s go to the movies.”
Amanda and Giovanni are alleged to be feuding after "tough" training sessions
BBC
Despite Abbington pulling out of the BBC dance competition after just five weeks, she still gave her full support to her friend and former co-star.
She proved she didn’t have bad blood with everyone at Strictly as she reposted Radebe’s post onto her story and simply captioned it: “Glorious news.” (sic)
Abbington abruptly left the series and claimed it was for “personal reasons”, but it was soon alleged she was feuding with co-star Giovanni Pernice after “tough” rehearsals and experiencing PTSD.
She reportedly requested video recordings of her training sessions with the seasoned pro as part of her seeking legal advice against him.
Amanda Abbington is claimed to have sought legal advice and requested videos of her training sessions
BBC
Pernice recently broke his silence on the feud claims and explained: “I’m definitely a perfectionist. Like everybody else, I like to win.
“But for me it’s more about bringing the best out of partners, especially if I see that there is talent there. I want to do my job properly.”
Abbington has addressed the reports, confirming she’d been diagnoses with PTSD and that since news of their spat hit headlines, she and her family had received death threats.
A source said of Abbington and Pernice’s saga and the recording she’d demanded: “Strictly has a proud track record as a joyful, positive experience where robust support and assistance is always made available at every stage of the production.
“There is a feeling that the recording will lift the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes on Strictly. Things in rehearsals can become very tense.”
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— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 6, 2024
Away from the drama, many other of Radebe’s co-stars and friends were thrilled by the news and commented their congratulations underneath the post.
Dianne Buswell noted: “Well done gorji! This is amazing! Super star, I am so proud and happy for you,” with Neil Jones adding: “This is beautiful and best news, also about time! Please say you will be playing you.”
Radebe’s most recent Strictly partner Annabel Croft praised: “Congratulation! This is so exciting and going to inspire so many people with your incredible life story.”
“This is gonna be GREAT!” Carlos Gu simply penned as Pernice expressed: “Amazing!” alongside a love heart emoji. (sic)