Giovanni Pernice, a former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has recently claimed victory on the Italian dance competition Ballando Con Le Stelle, just months after leaving the UK amidst an investigation into allegations about his behavior on the BBC show. The drama surrounding his departure, including the accusations made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington, added a layer of complexity to this achievement. But now, Giovanni has emerged victorious in the Italian version of the beloved competition, bringing his dance journey full circle.
Pernice, 34, was paired with Bianca Guaccero, 43, an Italian actress and singer, for the 19th season of Ballando Con Le Stelle. Together, they captured the hearts of the audience and were crowned champions of the show on Saturday. The victory marks a huge personal and professional milestone for Giovanni, who had previously been a fan-favorite on Strictly.
Ballando Con Le Stelle is often referred to as the Italian counterpart to Strictly Come Dancing and its American adaptation, Dancing with the Stars. For Giovanni, this win not only represents his success on a familiar stage but also a triumphant return to the world of competitive dance after a tumultuous period. His partnership with Guaccero turned out to be a winning combination, both on and off the dance floor.
The two dancers, who recently confirmed their romantic relationship, wasted no time celebrating their big win. Giovanni, hailing from Palermo, shared a video on social media of the moment they were announced as the winners. The joy was palpable, and in his caption, he wrote “la coppia vince,” which translates to “the couple wins” in English. A simple yet meaningful expression of his emotions, this message highlighted the significance of both his professional triumph and his blossoming relationship with Bianca.
Bianca, equally thrilled, took to Instagram to share her excitement with her followers. Her posts included several photos and videos capturing the celebrations. One caption read, “Grazie a voi, non ci posso credere,” which translates to “thank you all so much, I can’t believe it.” Her heartfelt words reflected the deep gratitude she felt towards their supporters, who had helped them secure the top spot in the competition.
This victory marks a striking contrast to Giovanni’s earlier departure from Strictly Come Dancing. Earlier this year, Giovanni faced an investigation into allegations made by his former partner, Amanda Abbington. The BBC investigation concluded that some of the complaints regarding his behavior were upheld, though there were no findings related to physical aggression. However, the investigation did validate claims of verbal bullying and harassment, which caused significant controversy. Despite the findings, Pernice remained relatively silent on the matter, while Amanda Abbington expressed a sense of “vindication” over the process, even amidst receiving hundreds of death and rape threats for speaking out.
Amidst all of this, Giovanni has tried to move forward with his career. In a video posted on Instagram on the night of his victory, Pernice took a moment to thank his supporters in the UK. He acknowledged the crucial role that social media votes played in his success, saying, “To all my dear friends in the UK that are supporting us all the way… We just want to say a massive thank you, because realistically, we couldn’t do anything without you.” He then elaborated on how the voting system works, emphasizing the importance of likes on social media platforms. Giovanni noted that they could visibly track where the votes were coming from, and he couldn’t help but express his gratitude for the UK’s unwavering support, describing it as “unbelievably amazing.”
While Giovanni’s victory in Italy is a sweet one, it also sparks questions about his future in the UK. In October, when asked by ITV’s Lorraine about the possibility of returning to Strictly Come Dancing, he replied cryptically, “Who knows, never say never.” This statement left fans wondering if the door to a return to the UK’s most famous dance floor is still open.
For now, Giovanni’s focus remains on enjoying his success and celebrating with Bianca. Their partnership has clearly resonated with fans, not just for their dancing skills, but for the connection they share offstage. In a world where reality television often blurs the line between performance and personal life, Giovanni and Bianca have managed to create a captivating story of love and success.
Their journey through Ballando Con Le Stelle stands as a testament to resilience and dedication. Giovanni, after a challenging year filled with controversy, has proven that he still has the ability to captivate audiences and excel in the competitive dance world. It’s also a story of redemption, as he not only overcame personal struggles but also showed his ability to build strong partnerships, both professionally and romantically. As they continue to share glimpses of their journey on social media, fans can’t help but root for the couple, celebrating their win and looking forward to what’s next.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see where Giovanni’s career goes from here. Will he return to the UK and Strictly Come Dancing? Or will he continue to explore opportunities abroad, with his Italian win acting as a stepping stone? Regardless of what the future holds, Giovanni and Bianca’s story is one of triumph over adversity, and they’ve certainly earned their moment in the spotlight.
In the end, Giovanni’s win on Ballando Con Le Stelle is more than just a dancing achievement. It’s a story of love, resilience, and the power of support from fans across borders. Whether or not he returns to Strictly, Giovanni Pernice has certainly made a mark on the dance world that will be remembered for years to come.
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