Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence after his dance partner Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit Strictly Come Dancing.
Abbington unexpectedly withdrew from last Saturday’s show due to mental health reasons but the BBC has now confirmed she has quit the show altogether.
In a simple social media post, showing a picture of Abbington and Pernice together with a short comment, the BBC Strictly account said: “Sadly Amanda Abbington is leaving Strictly 2023.”
They said: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.
WATCH HERE: Amanda Abbington thanks Strictly watchers
“The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
Following the statement, Pernice also took to social media, writing: “I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
The Italian dancer, who won the show with Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, broke his silence tonight less than an hour after his partner's departure was confirmed.
Abbington, who starred in Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, scored 31 for a quick-footed foxtrot to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac in her last Strictly appearance.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Angela Rippon (left) and Amanda Abbington (centre) leaving BBC Broadcasting House in London with Sara Davies after appearing on the One Show
PA
The 49-year-old has not yet commented on her withdrawal after missing last Saturday's show.
Abbington's most recent Instagram post was uploaded on October 15.
The actress used the post to thank her supporters for voting her through to the next round of Strictly.
Les Dennis, Nikita Kanda, Jody Cundy and Eddie Kadi have been the four contestants who have been voted off Strictly so far this series.
Amanda Abbington
GETTY
Abbington was embroiled in controversy in August after a tweet resurfaced showing her criticise a drag show aimed at parents and children.
Her comments saw some viewers vow to boycott the show altogether.
In a video uploaded to Instagram after the tweet resurfaced, Abbington explained that she "loved drag" and was not transphobic.
She added: "Personally speaking, I don't think 12-year-olds should be performing in drag shows in overtly sexual ways because they're 12 and they need a childhood."