Featured Image Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage / Instagram/@giovannipernice
Topics: Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, BBC, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, BBC, TV And Film
Giovanni Pernice has had to cancel his live show mere hours after Amanda Abbington's shock quitting.
The programme confirmed Amanda's departure yesterday (23 October) in an Instagram statement which read: "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."
The 33-year-old professional dancer has since been forced to cancel one of his live Let Me Entertain You shows following Amanda's withdrawal from the competition.
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Giovanni was gearing up to be joined by a world class cast of professional dancers and West End performers to bring fans an 'unforgettable experience'.
He and the group of dancers were set to the stage at St David's Hall in Cardiff next year but it is now no longer going ahead.
The venue issued a statement on the matter which read: "St David’s Hall will be closed until the new year to undertake additional checks on the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels in the building.
"Unfortunately, the Giovanni Pernice event on Wednesday 24 January 2024 has now been cancelled."
St David's Hall added: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused," after assuring customers they would be refunded for the now-cancelled 'show of non-stop action'.
Giovanni's official website also confirms the news with a statement reading: "Sadly, as the venue remains closed indefinitely due to the Raac Concrete issue, the performance at St David's Hall, Cardiff on the 24th January 2024 has been cancelled.
"Ticket holders for this event will be refunded by their point of purchase."
It would appear that all the other scheduled shows on the tour are still going ahead at this point in time.
Amanda took to Instagram earlier this morning (24 October) to share a message to her fans confirming her departure from the BBC show.
The Sherlock star captioned a photo of a pair of gold high heels which read: "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."
The 51-year-old actor continued: "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."
She concluded: "You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."
The day before, Giovanni took to Instagram to share his own statement on the matter.
He posted a photo of himself hugging Amanda in a warm embrace wearing adorable Christmas jumpers and festive pyjamas along with the caption: "Amanda .. I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love."
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday (28 October) at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.