Giovanni Pernice has left some of his fans in tears as he shared an important message with them. The dancer is currently busy preparing for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing which returns to screens next Saturday (September 17).
The reigning champion could be partnered with the likes of former Corrie star Kym Marsh, Countryfile host Helen Skelton, Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds, or Loose Women's Kaye Adams after they signed up for the 2022 edition of the hit BBC One dance show.
While he has been hitting rehearsals with his fellow professional dancers, Giovanni took time out to share a new video on Instagram. The Italian dancer told his followers he had "more news" following the recent announcement he and Anton Du Beke are going back on tour in 2023 after a successful trip around the country earlier this year.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton responds to dance experience backlash
Giovanni explained in a video that he is learning "a brand new routine". He then asked: "Can you guess what it is?" before answering his own question. "Yes, that’s right," Giovanni continued "I’m learning some BSL [British Sign Language], a journey I started last year after being partnered with Ros [Ayling-Ellis], who is now a close friend."
But Giovanni then teased: "But I’ve got something juicy to tell you all. And [you’re] gonna love this." Giovanni then stopped speaking and signed. However, the positioning of the captioned words in his Instagram video were obscured - but that was the point. Returning to speaking again on Wednesday (September 7) Gio said: "Feeling like you missed out?
“This is how deaf people often feel in everyday conversation." He revealed that he was telling them that he and Anton will have a BSL interpreter at five of their Him & Me shows next year. Also as part of the ad, Gio revealed how research suggests 39% of people are interested in learning BSL. He then encouraged people to learn, saying that just knowing how to sign a couple of compliments can change perceptions.
"Learning even a little bit of sign language can make a big difference," Giovanni explained, pointing fans towards a Cadbury ‘Sign with Fingers’ website. "A simple phrase can go a long way," he added. Former EastEnders actress Rose was quick to respond to Giovanni’s post.
"Love this very much," she penned before she shared Giovanni’s post to her own Instagram Stories and wrote: "Credit goes to @gjlilley for teaching @GiovanniPernice BSL." And his efforts made his fans and followers emotional. @lucy_loves_yoga_ said: "Happy tears of joy watching this."
@val.wickens commented: "Well done Gio you and Rose are definitely making a difference. Love you both." @mshildyflo wrote: "That’s absolutely wonderful!" @christine.hancock.376 praised: "Bravo Gio. You are an inspiration and show the best of humanity to us all." @tiberwean shared: "Loved your partnership with @rose.a.e and love you even more for this." @weestaceystrain added: "This is amazing made me cry so so proud of you Giovanni. Love this and love to learn BSL."
Giovanni stormed to victory in the ballroom, his first win in seven years on the hit show, alongside Rose Ayling-Ellis. The pro and EastEnders actress won the hearts of the nation - and the judges - thanks to their beautiful and though-provoking performance - particularly the award-winning moment the pair danced without music in honour of the deaf community.
After lifting the Glitterball trophy, Giovanni made fans cry with a then-new addition to his tattoo collection which was a tribute to the pair's shared victory. It features the famous Glitterball complete with the date the pair won the series. The sparkling trophy has the letters SCD in the middle and December 18 2021 in numerical form.
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