Who is Giovanni Pernice? Strictly Come Dancing 2018 pro paired with Faye Tozer

He had early success with Georgia May Foote – reaching the final –  something he repeated with Debbie McGee in 2017. Here's the low-down on the smooth mover…

Who is Giovanni Pernice, how old is he and what is his background?

Giovanni Pernice is a 27-year-old professional dancer who joined Strictly in 2015.

He was born in Sicily and started dance lessons at a young age.

He's yet to win Strictly, and says his greatest achievement to date is winning Italian Championships in 2012.

The star's "Nato Per Vincere" tattoo means "born to win", so hopefully his luck will transfer onto the Strictly dancefloor soon.

He says his favourite dance is the jive, as it reflects his cheekiness.

Is Giovanni single?

Giovanni is currently single after splitting with former TOWIE star Jess Wright.

Giovanni confirmed his romance with Jess Wright with a loved-up Instagram post on Valentine's Day.

The dance pro posted a snap of him smooching Jess along with the caption "Buon San Valentino ❤ @jesswright77."

However the Sun exclusively revealed on April 25, 2018, that the pair had split after Giovanni 'struggled' with Jess' popularity.

A source close to Gio said: “He was really into Jess and did want to make a go of it, but he struggled with the attention she gets and her popularity.

“They’ve tried to keep things amicable and told people they have both agreed to go their separate ways, but he was the one who first suggested things were going to end.

“She has been really upset by this. It’s a real shame but hopefully things will stay civil.”

During Giovanni's first Strictly series he was partnered with former Corrie star Georgia May Foote.

The pair fell for each other and did very well on the programme, coming runner-up in the final, before confirming their romance once the series had ended.

However, just ahead of the 2016 series a year later, the couple unfortunately announced their split.

View this post on Instagram

The best time ever!!! Dubai ❤️

A post shared by Pernice Giovanni (@pernicegiovann1) on

View this post on Instagram

The best time ever!!! Dubai ❤️

A post shared by Pernice Giovanni (@pernicegiovann1) on

View this post on Instagram

The best time ever!!! Dubai ❤️

A post shared by Pernice Giovanni (@pernicegiovann1) on


 

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