Giovanni Pernice looked dejected in the photo for the first time since his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington quit the competition.
The professional dancer, 33, wrapped in a padded jacket and track pants, hopped on an e-scooter in London on Wednesday evening.
The sighting comes after it was revealed that Amanda, 51, has withdrawn from the show for ‘personal reasons’ after not performing on last Saturday’s episode.
Amanda didn’t say why she quit, but said she didn’t come to the decision “lightly” as insiders claimed her time on the show was plagued with difficulties.
She thanked her team but did not mention Giovanni, writing: ‘It is with great regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly, but for personal reasons I cannot move forward.
Gloomy: Giovanni Pernice was spotted looking downcast as pictured for the first time since his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington quit the competition
Outing: The professional dancer, 33, wrapped up in a padded jacket and track pants as he hopped on an e-scooter in London on Wednesday evening
Ending: The sighting comes after it was revealed that Amanda, 51, has withdrawn from the show due to ‘personal reasons’ after not appearing on last Saturday’s episode
‘It has been an absolute pleasure working with my fellow competitors, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and will miss seeing and competing together every Friday and Saturday.
‘I would like to thank the amazing production team and everyone at Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. They are a great bunch of people and I will miss them all.
‘I’m so sad that I can’t continue. Thank you to everyone who voted and sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all wonderful. Really. Thank you. xxx’.
Giovanni later took to his Instagram and shared a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week.
He captioned the photo: ‘Amanda..I’m so sad we can’t continue but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and sending you so much love.’
On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s departure, releasing a statement saying: ‘Amanda Abbington cannot 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 MailOnline of Amanda’s withdrawal: ‘This is something Amanda has unfortunately had to think about since the end of last week.
‘It has been a devastating time for Amanda. Her Strictly journey was plagued with difficulties, but she just didn’t think there was any other option. As hard as it was, there was a chance they could have won.”
Trotting away: Amanda didn’t say why she quit, but said she didn’t come to the decision lightly as insiders claimed her time on the show was plagued with difficulties
Dejected: Giovanni cut a solemn figure as he left a London apartment and hopped on a scooter
Grateful: Giovanni later took to his Instagram and shared a backstage photo with Amanda during Movie Week
After seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting this could be Giovanni’s last season appearing with a celebrity partner.
One wrote: ‘I think this is your last year… you’ve outgrown Strictly and I think you know it.’
Another said: ‘I’m devastated for you. I supported you both and voted. Will we see you dancing on Strictly next year?’
But sources close to Giovanni say that while these talks won’t happen until 2024, he isn’t even considering leaving the show.
Amanda reportedly didn’t know what she was signing up for by signing up for the BBC dance show – amid speculation she failed to ‘gel’ with Giovanni.
The Sherlock actress was ‘exhausted and vulnerable’ and insiders are not surprised she has left the programme, the BBC said. Telegraph.
While it is currently unclear what the official reason for Amanda’s departure from the program is, viewers are beginning to speculate as to why she quit when she seemingly has so much promise and talent in her.
Amid the growing speculation, an insider told the Telegraph: ‘It could be that she didn’t know what she was doing.’
“They weren’t gelling from the start. Apparently they put a brave face on it, but the problem was clearly not solved.’
The source continues: ‘He was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn’t doing so well, it wouldn’t have helped. She was with a partner who had a certain training style that she couldn’t handle. I don’t know whether that has come to a head or whether something else is going on.’
See you soon: On Monday’s It Takes Two, the show confirmed Amanda’s departure
Could it be the end? After seven years on the BBC show, some Strictly viewers are predicting this could be Giovanni’s final season to feature an appearance with a celebrity partner
Not yet! But sources close to Giovanni say that while these talks won’t happen until 2024, he isn’t even considering leaving the show.
