Giovanni Pernice’s parents said the dancer was “just doing his job” after his partner Amanda Abbington’s surprise exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
The 51-year-old actress withdrew from the show for “personal reasons” after she and her 33-year-old pro did not appear in last Saturday’s episode.
There were rumors of a feud between the pair and although Amanda didn’t say why she quit, insiders claimed her time on the show was “plagued by difficulties”.
Marking the duo’s departure on Saturday, Giovanni’s father Piero and mother Rosalda admitted that their son “trained for many hours but only did his job.”
Speaking to The Sun from his home in Italy, Piero said: “We’re surprised she left the show because everything was going well – we thought they could have won.”
Surprised: Giovanni Pernice’s parents said the dancer was “just doing his job” after his partner Amanda Abbington’s shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing (pictured with his parents).
Exit: The 51-year-old actress pulled out of the show for “personal reasons” after she and her dance partner Giovanni, 33, failed to appear in last Saturday’s episode
He added: “My son is a really nice, polite and respectful boy.” He has always achieved good results with different partners and has never had any problems with it.
Giovanni’s mother Rosalda explained: “You have to train hard to get results.” Giovanni just did what he had to do. He was just doing his job.’
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman spoke about Amanda’s surprise exit at the start of Saturday’s live show, telling viewers: “Earlier this week, Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition.”
They added: “We send you all our love” and the studio audience then joined in a round of applause.
In a statement this week, Amanda thanked her team but fueled rumors of a feud with Giovanni by not mentioning the dancer.
She wrote: “It is with great regret that I have had to leave Strictly.” This decision was not an easy one for me but for personal reasons I cannot continue.
“It was an absolute pleasure working with my competitors. They are a beautiful, hard-working and talented group of people that I love and will miss seeing and competing with every Friday and Saturday.”
“I would like to thank the incredible production team and everyone at Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring.” “They are wonderful people and I will miss them all.”
Hart: There were rumors of a feud between the two and although Amanda didn’t say why she quit, insiders claimed that her time on the show was “plagued by difficulties.”
Sending love: Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman spoke about Amanda’s surprise exit at the start of Saturday’s live show, saying: “We send you all our love.”
Speculation: In an exit statement this week, Amanda thanked her team but fueled rumors of a feud with Giovanni by not mentioning the dancer
She concluded: “I’m so sad I can’t carry on.” Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all great. Really. Thank you very much. xxx’.
Giovanni later took to Instagram and shared a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week.
He captioned the snap: “Amanda… I’m so sad we can’t move on but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I’m sending you so much love.”
On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s exit and released a statement saying: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue on Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition.” The show wishes her all the best for the future.’
A Strictly insider told Web about Amanda’s withdrawal: “This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.”
“It was a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties but she just didn’t believe there was another option. As difficult as it was, there was a chance they could have won.’