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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Strictly's Giovanni and Jowita hold hands in cosy pics as they confirm romance

Strictly stars Giovanni Pernice and Jowita Przystal appeared to confirm their romance as they were papped holding hands on Friday.

The professional dancers are said to have been 'secretly dating' for weeks after hitting it off on the BBC show last year.

In new pics, the couple can be seen hand in hand walking through West London, as they appeared to head home after leaving a restaurant.

In one snap, the Italian can be seen waiting for Jowita before they made their way inside the eatery.

Both were wrapped up against the cold, with Giovanni, 32, sporting a black puffer jacket, hoodie and trainers while Jowita, 28, wore an elegant black coat and ankle boots.

An onlooker who saw the couple said: “They seemed to be very much a couple, they were holding hands and talking to each other very closely as they walked. From their casual clothes, it didn’t seem to be a first date either.

Strictly stars Giovanni Pernice and Jowita Przystal appeared to confirm their romance as they were papped holding hands (SplashNews.com)
The pair were seen leaving a London restaurant (SplashNews.com)

“They looked very happy and comfortable in each other’s company," reports The Sun.

The pair got tongues wagging earlier this month when they were seen leaving Giovanni's London flat minutes apart amid rumours they were dating.

The couple all but confirmed their romance as they were papped for the first time leaving the Italian's gaffe in Notting Hill after seemingly spending the night together.

Giovanni waited for Jowita to arrive (SplashNews.com)

Meanwhile, Jowita's Strictly partner Hamza Yassin has reportedly been left 'brokenhearted' by reports the dancer is dating her co-star Giovanni.

Jowita and Hamza lifted the Glitterball Trophy in December as winners of the dancing competition.

However, it appears the wildlife presenter could have fallen for his professional partner after the pair spent hours in rehearsals together.

They've reportedly been 'secretly dating' for weeks (SplashNews.com)

The pair gave their first television interview since news of Jowita’s romance with her Italian co-star on BBC One’s The One Show last week.

As they reflected on their success, the show winners paid tribute to one another in a sweet admission.

Hamza said: “I didn’t think I could dance. You were fantastic about just bringing everything out, knowing my weaknesses and my strengths. I still can’t fathom that we won it.”

Their romance seems to be hotting up (SplashNews.com)

Recalling the the instant connection she felt with the presenter when they met ahead of the series starting, Jowita said: “This is not about me. This is all about Hamza. Meeting him for the first time, I knew straight away.

“I could feel that in my bones. I was already picturing what we could do on the show – he didn’t know that.

“Because we got together so well from the first moment, I knew he would trust me. I was so driven by him and everything he brings on the table. He was my drive.”

The pair showed off their sizzling chemistry as they danced together in the latest series (BBC)
Jowita went on to lift the glitterball trophy with Hamza Yassin (BBC/Guy Levy)

The pair will dance together on the upcoming Strictly Live Tour - which is due to start this month.

Giovanni will not be appearing in the arena shows with his castmates, preferring to tour with his own one man show.

Made in Italy, starts this week and runs until May - where it will be brought to a close at Tubridge Wells' Assembly Hall Theatre.

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