‘His heart isn’t in it any more’ moan Strictly fans as they fear popular pro dancer will QUIT show after backstage feud
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans fear one huge pro will quit ahead of next year's series - because "his heart isn't in it."
Viewers of the hit BBC programme have suggested the Italian dancer, 33, will be "benched" by show bosses for 2024.
It comes as they speculate Giovanni Pernice will be the one to walk.
His 2023 show pairing came to an end when Amanda Abbington suddenly quit.
Sherlock actress Amanda, 49, missed a Strictly Come Dancing show in October due to undisclosed medical reasons - before she called time on the BBC series completely.
The Sun reported in September how Amanda and Giovanni had clashed — with the actress threatening to quit over the dance pro’s “militant” attitude to training.
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Now fans are suggesting Giovanni - who won the show's iconic Glitter Ball trophy back in 2021 with Rose Ayling Ellis - will walk.
A user on Reddit asked the question: "Strictly Professionals 2024 - who do you think will leave?"
One then replied: "Possibly Gio, having had two pretty disastrous series after his win with Rose.
"After what went down with Amanda, I imagine they might bench Gio or ask him to leave. Another pro could probably have made the situation work."
Another put: "Men = Gorka (to spend more time with family) and Giovanni (3 years in a row he skipped the Pro Challenge… his heart isn't in it any more)."
A third agreed and wrote: "I can see Gorka or Giovanni leaving. I think Neil might leave too."
One then mused: "Giovanni and Gorka were my other two question marks but I could see them staying for a few more seasons?"
A final fan claimed: "Giovanni is definitely checked out. I imagine he’ll stay in the hope of getting a good partner to exit on though."
Earlier this year, actress Amanda was alleged to have "not told" fan-favourite Giovanni of her decision to quit before she announced it, leaving him "devastated."
She then broke her silence after it was revealed she would be snubbing the show final - where celebs perform with their partners for one last time.
The BBC announced Amanda would not be returning for the final instalment in a statement last week.
A spokesperson for the show told OK!: "Amanda decided to withdraw from the competition, therefore she will not be returning for the final."
Nigel Harman also withdrew from the competition this series after sustaining an injury, but he attended.
Following her departure, Giovanni paid tribute to Amanda by sharing a picture of them cuddling in Christmas jumpers on Instagram.
He wrote: "I am so sad we can't continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love."
But Amanda failed to mention of Giovanni in her statement after leaving for 'personal reasons'. leading fans to speculate there was a rift between them.
Alongside a snap of a pair of worn out dancing shoes, she posted on the social media site: "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.
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"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."
