Giovanni Pernice makes heartbreaking confession about his 'lonely' life as a single man

Giovanni Pernice has made an incredibly rare dating confession, admitting that he does sometimes feel lonely as he continues to live the single life.

The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 32, got honest about the realities of how difficult it can be to find a true connection amid his busy life as one of the UK's biggest stars.

The Italian hunk made the rare confession on his brand-new BBC show, Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily, on Tuesday night.

Giovanni's new travel show - which has already gone down as a hit with BBC fans - sees the Strictly star introduce co-star and friend Anton Du Beke, 56, to his beloved homeland of Sicily.

The latest episode of the hit travel show saw Giovanni and Anton - who were later joined by Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis - exploring Mount Etna which is Europe’s highest and most active volcano.

After Italian dancer Giovanni cooked up a delicious meal halfway up the hike, over dinner, he decided to get candid about his life.

Giovanni admitted that he would love to one day have a family of his own and eventually find true lasting love before confessing that his life as a single man can get very lonely at times.

"One day I will cook for my family," Giovanni insisted.

Before his pal Anton replied: "Once you get a family, you will be doing it all the time."

Giovanni admitted that he longs to have a wife and family in the near future (BBC)

Giovanni then admitted: "My mum always says to me: 'So, Giovanni, what's the situation?' because obviously every time I date a girl, I always tell her and say 'What do you think about this?'

"Bless her, she's seen so many passing by. But initially, she's like: 'Is she the one? You know, I want a baby before I pass way!' It's all the time, constantly, it's funny."

The Strictly hunk went on: "Of course I'll have a family one day, you just have to find the right person first. Personally, I am just very focused on my career as you were at my age.

Giovanni and Anton embarked on a travelling adventure together in their brand-new BBC show (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

"It does get lonely sometimes, it's a tricky thing between - there's a line, a fine line, between: 'I want to be in a relationship and be with somebody because you get lonely'.

"But at the same time, you want to be free to be able to focus on your career. And also, this industry, quite tricky, as you know, because you always have to be focused."

Giovanni has previously has dated reality stars including Maura Higgins, Jess Wright and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, as well as his Strictly partner Georgia May Foote.