Giovanni Pernice says he's given 'strength he needs' after brief UK return to reunite with Strictly Come Dancing stars

Giovanni Pernice has said he is 'given the strength he needs' from the support of his fans as he made a quick trip back to the UK where he reunited with a couple of Strictly Come Dancing stars.

The 34-year-old spent several years as a professional dancer on the hit BBC One dance contest. However, earlier this year, an investigation was launched by the BBC following allegations made about the dancer by former Strictly participant Amanda Abbington, with the results yet to be made public.

Subsequently, Giovanni wasn't named in Strictly's professional line-up for 2024 and has since revealed he's joining the Italian "equivalent of Dancing With The Stars", Ballando con le Stelle, following his departure from the UK's popular dance contest.

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Giovanni and his dance partner, actress Bianca Guaccero, wowed during their debut and 'won' the first show of the series after being awarded a whopping 37 out of a possible 40 points.

Following his return to the dancefloor, Giovanni was seen leaving Rome and heading back to the UK where he was reunited with Strictly judges Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood who joined him at his latest dance classes put on by his company Ballando, which sees him hosting dance classes for anyone from beginners to the more experienced.

Sharing a picture as the special dancing event came to an end, in which Giovanni could be seen watching his participants from the stage with a 'Ballando' branded t-shirt that also said 'GIO' on the back, the Ballando account said: "Thank you everyone." Giovanni then reshared the post and said: "I love you all. Now back to Rome... Week 2 here we come @biancaguacceroreal."

Giovanni later revealed he'd arrive back in Rome at 2am and typed out a message of reflection to his fans and followers. He wrote: "You see... I love this kind of feeling... Tired but happy!! Happy because I feel rewarded and loved!! Seeing all of your happy faces today at the dance class and read all your messages regarding our first dance give me the strength and the motivation I need!"

He continued: "'So close and yet so far' but I know you are always there for me and with this is just a moment of appreciation to all my fans... I see, read and appreciate all of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Gio."