Giovanni Pernice has opened up about his move to the UK as he prepares for another stint dazzling audiences and fans of Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer, who is set to return to the ballroom this autumn, took to social media with a video as he discussed the three things he wished he knew when he left Italy.
Giovanni shared a touching sentiment about his new life in the UK in a post in partnership with HSBC, which is able to provide financial support for people moving countries. "Before I moved to London I wish I knew these three things. First things first, not to worry so much," he started his video.
"Leaving friends and family and your home is difficult but don't worry because you'll make new friends and they will become like your family." He also said people should 'be prepared' for the move as he plugged HSBC services.
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But his third and final thing he wish he knew when he moved to the UK was about 'trusting the process'. "If you don't know the language, trust me, you will learn it, only if you throw yourself into something. Look at me, I didn't know any English and now I can't be quiet."
Alongside the advertorial video, Giovanni typed to his one million followers: "AD / HSBC UK Relocating to a new country, whether it is for work, school or just for new adventures can be stressful and nerve-wracking - but listen up!
"Before I moved from Italy to my new home town of London, I wish I had these top 3 tips. I hope they help you feel more confident and ready for a big move. You are not alone! If you have made a life-changing move, please comment below with the things you wish you knew before, and we can try and help others about to go on the same journey."
In response to the post, Giovanni was quickly praised and supported by his fans. @siddle_julie said: "He’s learnt 2 English based languages since moving to the uk (English and BSL). Bless him," referring to how he learnt to communicate with Strictly partner Rose Ayling-Ellis, the first deaf contestant to take part and win the BBC One dance show.
@susan.rye.988 replied: "Great advice, your always helping others. So glad you came to England and wow look what you have achieved!! And thank you thank you thank you." @weestaceystrain commented: "So proud of you what incredible achievement so happy you moved to the UK." @debii.1.1 added: "I find it incredible how you speak such good English now without knowing a single word when you came to the uk to do strictly what an achievement."
Meanwhile, others were distracted by Giovanni's choice of attire as he wore a graphic tee under his cool leather jacket. @leannenaughton3527 wrote: "Love ur tshirt btw,big freddie mercury fan too." @amylouise365 replied: "I love your Freddy top.. I so need one ."
@lollyd2k1 said: "@giovannipernice can you please tell me where your freddy T-shirt is from please? I neeeeeed one!" @ilovemusic_05 noted: "Love your t shirt. You also have a Freddie tattoo. I noticed on your show!" @heatherjones1985 added: "Loving the t shirt !!! I need one."
The post comes after Giovanni was seen planting a kiss on one of Strictly's judges, weeks after it was confirmed he'll be back on the show for a ninth year. On Instgaram, the 32-year-old sent his co-star Shirley Ballas a sweet message as they partied together.
The Strictly head judge has been recovering from an injury following a gardening accident, but she was all smiles for a recent birthday celebration with her colleagues. They were celebrating the birthday of Sarah James, the executive producer of Strictly, and Shirley shared several pictures of the evening, including one of Giovanni sweetly embracing her.
Shirley said: "A few snaps with some of the @bbcstrictly family. Celebrating the 40th birthday of our superstar @sarahjamesface.A beautiful soul inside and out. So very blessed to have her as our executive producer. Her work is flawless." And Giovanni was among those to comment, simply writing: "Love ya."
