Gorka Marquez Says Giovanni Pernice’s Strictly Exit Is ‘Sad for Everybody’
The recent departure of Giovanni Pernice from “Strictly Come Dancing” has left fans and fellow dancers alike in a state of disappointment and sadness. Pernice, who has been a staple on the show since 2015, has garnered a significant following over the years. His exit, amid allegations of a “militant” approach to training, has sparked a wave of reactions from the “Strictly” community.
Gorka Marquez, a fellow professional dancer on the show, expressed his sentiments about Pernice’s departure. “It’s sad for everybody,” Marquez said, highlighting the impact of Pernice’s absence on the show’s dynamic. Pernice’s departure came after his partner, actress Amanda Abbington, withdrew from the competition for “personal reasons.”
Abbington, known for her role in “Sherlock,” announced her exit from the show on social media, citing personal reasons for her decision. “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,” she wrote. Her post was met with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow contestants, and the “Strictly” team.
Giovanni Pernice also took to social media to express his disappointment. “I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love,” he wrote. Pernice’s fans, however, were not as understanding. Many took to social media to voice their displeasure, with some even threatening to boycott the show in 2024.
The controversy surrounding Pernice’s departure is not just about his absence from the show. Allegations of “serious workplace misconduct” have surfaced, with Pernice strongly denying any claims of abusive or threatening behavior. “To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behavior, and I look forward to clearing my name,” Pernice wrote on Instagram.
The BBC has not commented on the specifics of the allegations but has stated that they will handle any complaints with “care, fairness, and sensitivity.” Pernice’s spokesperson also mentioned that they are engaging with BBC Studios to provide evidence to rebut the claims.
Despite the controversy, Pernice’s absence is felt deeply by his colleagues. Gorka Marquez, who has been a part of the “Strictly” family for several years, emphasized the void left by Pernice’s departure. “Giovanni has been a significant part of the show, and his absence is felt by all of us,” Marquez said.
The show’s executive producer, Sarah James, acknowledged the impact of Pernice’s exit but assured fans that “Strictly” would continue to deliver high-quality entertainment. “This year marks two decades of entertaining the nation, and we will be back with a bang in September as we celebrate in style with our incredible team both on and off screen,” James said.
While some fans are excited about the return of Amy Dowden, who had to miss the 2023 series due to her battle with cancer, others are still grappling with the news of Pernice’s exit. “So happy to see you back, Amy,” one fan wrote, while another added, “It will be absolutely fantastic to see you back on the dancefloor where you belong.”
The departure of Amanda Abbington also adds to the drama. Abbington, who had been partnered with Pernice, cited personal reasons for her exit but did not expand on them. Her current partner, Jonathan Goodwin, who was left paralyzed by an accident during rehearsals of “America’s Got Talent: Extreme” in 2021, expressed his support. “You are so incredible. So unbelievably beautiful but also incredibly brave. I’m so proud to be your man,” Goodwin wrote.
Abbington’s exit has also been linked to past controversies. Earlier this year, she faced backlash for social media comments criticizing a drag show aimed at parents and children. Previous posts about transgender women also resurfaced, leading to some fans threatening to boycott the show. Abbington apologized for her “stupid” and “ill-informed” past comments but insisted she was not transphobic.
Despite the controversies and departures, “Strictly Come Dancing” continues to be a beloved show with a dedicated fan base. The series will proceed as planned, with an elimination each week until the final in December. Four celebrities have already been voted off this series: Les Dennis, Nikita Kanda, Jody Cundy, and Eddie Kadi.
As the show moves forward, the absence of Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington will undoubtedly be felt. However, the “Strictly” team remains committed to delivering the high-energy performances and captivating storylines that have made the show a staple of British television.
In the end, Gorka Marquez’s words resonate with many: “It’s sad for everybody.” The departure of key figures like Pernice and Abbington marks a significant shift in the show’s dynamic, but the spirit of “Strictly Come Dancing” endures.
Source: BBC, Daily Star, Mirror
