BBC Strictly's Giovanni Pernice's statement reveals 'true feelings' for Amanda as she quits show

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington spoke of her 'sadness' at making the difficult decision to step down from the BBC competition with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice after missing Saturday's show on medical grounds.It was then announced on Monday she had quit the programme, as she later broke her silence with an online post on social media citing "personal reasons" for pulling herself out of the competition, despite being a frontrunner for the Glitterball trophy.The 49-year-old actress thanked the production staff, crew and backstage team, but made no mention of Giovanni, 33, during her statement on Tuesday morning with whom she had been partnered since August."It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly," Amanda wrote on Instagram. "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.

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.

You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."It comes in stark contrast to what she had posted on Instagram the weekend before, when she promised to be back with Giovanni on the show soon sharing a snap of them performing together captioning it: "Thank you!