Fans were quick to defend Giovanni Pernice after he shared a photo of himself reuniting with his Strictly Come Dancing co-star. The Italian dancer headed out to watch the BBC One show's judge Anton Du Beke in his second-ever pantomime role
Anton, who was Strictly's longest-serving professional dancer before replacing Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel, made his panto debut as Buttons in Cinderella at the Richmond Theatre last year but this year, he can be seen at the Churchill Theatre in Jack and the Beanstalk.
And Giovanni, who will be touring again with Anton next year, didn't want to miss seeing his co-star and pal in his latest role. Taking to Instagram, the 35-year-old shared a snap of the pair.
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They could be seen grinning for the camera as they cosied up for the photo to be taken. Giovanni typed alongside the post: "Fantastic evening watching my partner in crime @mrantondubeke in Jack and the Beanstalk at @churchill_bromley."
And it wasn't long before fans were gushing over the pair. @ailishniddrie.21 said: "Gorgeous picture of you's two. Such a great friendship you both have." @ emmabarton_745 wrote: " Fabulous picture! And a Happy New Year to you both." @ junebrazil1 replied: " Lovely picture of two great friends happy new year to you both."
@fanny_lane52 shared: " What an amazing picture of the 2 of you!!! Loving the suit! Very smart." @paulinerobertson6 added: "Now THAT is a really smashing photo of the two of you. Your relationship together, built on mutual love and respect, is just lovely. Looking forward to seeing you both in Him and Me. Happy New Year to both of you - hope all you are hoping for comes to fruition."
But some were left unimpressed by some of the comments left on the post, which saw Giovanni being quizzed on whether he had been to support former dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis who has made her West End debut in the retelling of Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
@saraeb_209 said: "FFS, some of these comments..." @alison5092 wrote: "WOW- I stupidly read the comments on here - how some people write is absolutely shameful . If you can’t say something good don’t say anything at all !!! Lovely photo of you both Gio looking forward to your tour." @shawknowe added: "If you cant say anything nice, say nothing at all."
Giovanni and Rose made history on Strictly last year when the former EastEnders actress become the first deaf contestant to win the show. The pair captured the hearts of viewers right from the start of their dancing journey and eventually lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy.
The pair then went on to win a BAFTA TV award. Giovanni and Rose picked up Virgin Media's Must-See Moment at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards for their powerful silent dance in the 2021 series of the long-running annual contest. The dancing duo reduced the judges and viewers to tears when they performed a stunning routine to Clean Bandit's Symphony where they celebrated the deaf community and let those watching into Rose's world with 10 seconds of silent dance.
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