Giovanni Pernice backed by old partner Michelle Visage in Amanda Abbington feud

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Giovanni Pernice has been backed by his former Strictly Come Dancing partner amid the drama surrounding Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington.The 52-year-old actress claimed she suffered from PTSD after she performed alongside the Italian dancer on Strictly Come Dancing last year, following her shock exit from the show, reports the Mirror.At the time, she cited 'medical reasons', however, it was then reported the mum-of-two hired a 'big name lawyer' to retrieve her rehearsal tapes from the BBC, with Giovanni's future on the show now said to be in doubt.Taking to Instagram today, the Sicilian-born star appeared upbeat as she highlighted the support of his previous dance partner, Michelle Visage - whilst reportedly facing an 'agonising' wait over his Strictly career.Sharing a clip of the RuPaul's Drag Race star in which Giovanni kisses Michelle, 55, on the cheek, the dancer admitted Ms Visage had seriously saved his bacon.Explaining his professional partner, Lauren Oakley, was not able to perform alongside him in his show, Let Me Entertain You, he said: "Unfortunately Lauren is not doing the show.

So I did have a replacement for that." He then kissed Michelle as the Celebrity Big Brother star revealed: "I'm in." The pair were also joined by A-list pal Hannah Waddingham, who Giovanni called his "dance partner for the night".

Hannah, 49, joked: "I feel like you're all going to be underwhelmed by my contribution."The video came after it was reported the BBC have been in talks about offering Giovanni another celebrity pairing when the new series begins in September.A source told The Sun: "Bosses are undecided about whether or not they will give Gio a partner, just to take the heat off him.