Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice has sent "love" to one of his co-stars after reflecting on his "difficult" move to the UK. The Italian heartthrob swapped his stunning home country for gloomy London eight years ago, and has been a fan favourite amongst Strictly viewers ever since.
Since dancing onto the famous BBC ballroom for the very first time in 2015, the Guinness World Record holder has reached the final four times, first doing so in his first series, in which he was partnered with ex-EastEnders actress Georgia May Foote. He was also very close to reaching the top spot in 2017 and 2018 with partners, TV personality Debbie McGee and Steps singer Faye Tozer, respectively, The Mirror reports.
But Giovanni finally had his moment in 2021, when he lifted the famous glitterball trophy with soap star Rose Ayling-Ellis after moving the crowd to tears with their partially-silent routine, which reflected what life was like for Rose, the first deaf contestant in the show's history. Taking the time to thank fans for their support over the course of his eight-year glitzy career on Strictly.
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"Ciao, it's Giovanni," the dancer said as he addressed his Instagram followers. "Just to say thank you so much to everybody for following my story... I watched back and I have to say what a fantastic journey it’s been moving to the UK.
"It was always going to be difficult with the language and moving away from home. Yes it was difficult, but now looking back, it was definitely worth it,"
Giovanni continued: "I would do it a hundred million times and again and again and again. And to everybody out there who’s thinking to do the big move, there is a whole world of opportunity.
"So if you’re thinking to do it, just do it. You have one life to live. Go explore. Take risks. Nothing is permanent people.
"You can always change your situation, but if you’re thinking to do it, just go for it, do it. Good luck."
Amongst those to comment on Giovanni's post was Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas. "@giovannipernice I’m proud of you," she wrote, as the Strictly pro replied, next to a heart emoji: "Love ya."
Underneath, fans also flooded the TV star's Instagram feed with message of support after he shared he couldn’t speak a word of English before coming to the UK. In the caption of his poignant post, Giovanni added: “All the achievements, professionally and personally, it’s been amazing!
"Moving to London was one of the best decisions I have ever made!”
One fan wrote: “So happy you did come to the UK otherwise who else could entertain the nation like you. Your hard work and determination are an inspiration to us all. Grazie Mille [thank you very much in Italian] Giovanni.”
“There are so many of us here in the UK who are so glad you made the move to London. We all love you Giovanni,” said another.
While a third revealed: “My husband made the same journey in 1979! If he hadn’t we would never have met! I love the fact I have an Italian husband. Love him.”
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