Amanda Abbington snubs Strictly Come Dancing final after alleged feud with Giovanni Pernice
The 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing might be drawing to a heartbreaking end, but by the sounds of it, the drama from the series will continue to rumble on.
That's because - after weeks of silence - the rumoured feud between celebrity contestant Amanda Abbington and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice is said to have resurfaced.
Sherlock actor Amanda, 51, sensationally quit the dance competition early without giving fans of the show a proper explanation, reportedly 'blind-siding' partner Giovanni, 33.
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The Italian stallion was said to be 'fuming' following her October resignation, which she claimed at the time was due to 'personal reasons'.
Amanda went on to thank 'everyone on Strictly' for their love and support in a gushy post, which pointedly excluded Giovanni, who himself later opened up about his sadness at not being able to continue in the competition.
This weekend will mark the 2023 series' grand finale, in which remaining stars, Bad Education actor Layton Williams, Corrie star Ellie Leach and EastEnders favourite Bobby Brazier battling it out for the legendary Glitterball Trophy.
The annual final also sees eliminated stars return to the dancefloor to perform one last dance with their toe-tapping partners.
Today (12 December), however, The Mirror has reported that Amanda will not be returning to the show and has, in turn, snubbed the prospect of a reunion with Giovanni.
"Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final," a BBC spokesperson is said to have told the publication.
Tyla reached out to Amanda's representatives for comment on the latest report.
The broadcaster previously told fans of the show of her decision to take a step back, writing in an October statement: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.
"The show wishes her all the best for the future."
Last week, an inside source heavily hinted that Amanda would not be reuniting with Giovanni, though the BBC declined to comment at the time.
BBC producers were allegedly keen for Amanda to reunite with Giovanni to show there was 'no bad blood' between them, with a source adding: "They wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda’s response to the invitation was she’d not be back.
"It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year."
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity, TV And Film, BBC
Rhianna Benson