Giovanni Pernice has shown his support to dance partner Richie Anderson as he appeared to stay silent on his early exit from Strictly Come Dancing. There were gasps on Sunday after the result from week three were revealed during the BBC One results show.
The dancing pair, one of two same-sex couples in this year's series, went up against Fleur East and Vito Coppola after they landed in the bottom two following Saturday night's Movie Week special. They, therefore, had to dance again for their survival in the dance contest on Sunday night after the shocking results were revealed.
After the second public vote of the 20th series, both couples were revealed to have received the fewest votes and had to reprise their third-week dances again after the red light of doom landed on them. Richie and Giovanni performed their head-turning samba to Hakuna Matata from the much-loved Disney movie The Lion King.
READ MORE: BBC Strictly fans demand Shirley Ballas is 'replaced' as they erupt over Fleur East decision
Richie and Giovanni donned Lion King costumes for their performance with the BBC radio host, 34, dressed as mischievous meerkat Timon, while reigning champ Gio, 32, was dressed as warthog Pumbaa.
Then, former The X Factor contestant Fleur, 34, re-performed her American smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid with her dance partner, new Italian pro Vito. And it was their performance that was enough to save them from elimination with the judges almost unanimously voting to save them.
Head judge Shirley, however, went against her fellow judges for a second week and said she would have opted to save Richie and Giovanni. Queen of Latin Shirley said: "Well with the two couples the public put in the bottom two I would have saved Richie and Giovanni."
When asked by Tess about their time on the show, Richie said: “Do you know what as a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of , and being here it really is and it’s not just the people that you see on camera, the judges, and you and Claud and the amazing people that I’ve got to meet on this show. The people behind the scenes in hair, make up, costume, Tasha our runner, Stef, Jas, everybody.
"I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and i feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day. Not only are you a fantastic dancer but you are also a fantastic guy on top of that. I want to thank all my family and friends and my other half Dean who is in the audience, I love you so much."
Giovanni, who won the Glitterball for the first time with Rose Ayling-Ellis last year, was then asked if he had any words for his partner, Richie and said: "I have to say it’s been an honour to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing, you really are a superfan. And I’m glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you.
"It’s been a shame its been too short for us but I hope you’ve enjoyed every single second of it, and it stays in your heart forever. Look at us we’ve gone out dressed as Timon and Pumbaa. So lovely jubbly, well done Richie."
Richie has since broken his silence on his exit in a gushing Instagram post. Alongside a picture of him from his first routine in a George Michael-inspired 'Choose Dance' tee as well as a string of backstage snaps, the presenter wrote: "Choose Dance - always! It’s been short, but sweet! Never did I think I’d be given the chance to attempt to cha cha cha, quickstep and samba live on television.
"I also got to meet some amazing people who will be friends forever! Can’t wait to cheer everyone on for the rest of the series, @giovannipernice it’s been an honour to dance in the ballroom with you. Thanks to everyone who voted, supported and sent kind comments. He rounded off his post by adding: "Keeeeeep Dancing."
And while Giovanni is yet to post anything to his own Instagram page, he did respond to Richie's post. "Well done mate!! Always choose dance and you def did. Be proud of yourself."
Many of Richie's Strictly co-stars were also quick to send a message. Host Claudia Winkleman said: "You were magnificent," alongside a string of heart emojis. Molly Rainford wrote: "The brightest ray of sunshine." It Takes Two host Janette Manrara replied: "We will miss you."
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