Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice appeared emotional as he celebrated his latest achievement which saw him supported by his winning dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis. The former EastEnders actress, who lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy with the dancer in 2021, was in the audience as he took one of the country's most prestigious stages.
Giovanni has been touring the country for weeks now with his show, Made in Italy, which he took to the London Palladium stage over the weekend. Taking to Instagram, the Italian dancer, who has been a pro on the BBC One dance show for several years, posted a picture of himself posing outside the iconic venue as his poster appeared on the screens outside.
"One day somebody told me: 'Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine'. And last night I felt proud of myself!" Giovanni typed alongside the post. He then shared a video of the crow giving him huge applause and a standing ovation before posing with the team who helped him put the show together.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
"Played my OWN SOLO SHOW in one of the most iconic theatre in Europe!" he continued. "I'm grateful to all the 2300 people seating in the audience making sure that we were having the best time of our lives on stage!! We felt the love. Moments like this I will always treasure in my. THANK YOU!"
He then added in a tease to his fans: "Now I have to top that up for next year… loooooooooove the challenge.. you know me bigger and better!! I promise." Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson were among the first to show their support, posting a string of clapping emojis in the comments while 2017 Strictly contestant Gemma added: "Amazing!"
One of the show's former champions Ore Oduba also wrote: "Proud of you brother," while former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, who starred in the series Giovanni won with Rose, added: "Amazing Gio." And Giovanni's fans and followers were also heaping him with praise.
@cathy.spooner said: "It was the best night EVER and you so deserved it. Seeing the joy on your parents faces was magical, it was such a special night. Thank you thank you thank you." @jeanettece2020 shared: "Fantastico @giovannipernice. I was one of those 2300 and the show was amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
@rachelce5 posted: "This really is something special! And proud is and understatement! Continue believing @giovannipernice like we all do. Reach for the stars! Fantastico!!" @coates.lynette added: "You deserve to be proud of yourself no one deserves it more."
And as mentioned, Rose was in the audience and was filmed by former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing getting plenty of attention s she tried to take her seat in the auditorium. The actress and Giovanni were then later seen sharing an embrace after the show in images reshared to Giovanni's Instagram Story with a string of hearts.
It comes after it was confirmed that Giovanni will be returning to Strictly later this year. There were fears the 32-year-old would quit the show after bowing out of the 2022 series early following his winning moment the year before. However, he was among the professional dancers named as heading back to the ballroom this autumn.
Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola will all also take to the floor once more, promising viewers an abundance of spectacular routines.
READ NEXT:
- Molly-Mae Hague says she 'kidded herself' as she gives fresh glimpse inside home after new expensive addition
- Gemma Atkinson shares daughter's sweet way of preparing for baby brother as she sends clear message
- Michelle Keegan sends 'coming soon' message after surprising appearance change
- Victoria Beckham shares in what way husband David has never seen her after 24 years married due to being 'self-conscious'
- Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd says 'this is fame' as he experiences 'dream' job away from ITV soap
