Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice publicly backs one star for win with Instagram show of support
Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Giovanni Pernice has given a clear indication of who he’s supporting to win this year with a very public demonstration of support for Gorka Marquez on Instagram.
It is now 12 months since Italian professional dancer Giovanni triumphed alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis in the BBC Ballroom, after the pair captivated both the Strictly judges and viewers at home with their partnership from the start would have. Bookmakers had them nailed for winners weeks before the end of the series and they lived up to expectations by beating John Whaite and Johannes Radebe in last year’s final.
Unlike 2021, Giovanni’s stint in competition was much shorter this year as he retired as the second pro alongside One Show star Richie Anderson. Since then, despite appearing in group numbers and dancing with Katya Jones to Lewis Capaldi’s performance on the Strictly semi-final results show, Giovanni has largely stayed under the radar.
CONTINUE READING: Strictly speaking, the results show that group performance was scrapped by bosses after the Solihull tragedy
However, he was very clear about who he is supporting to follow in his footsteps over the weekend when he sent a very public message to friend and colleague Gorka on Instagram. After he and his celebrity partner Helen Skelton reached the finals, Gorka wrote on his account: “All I can say is THANK YOU for getting us through to the finals, for your constant messages and support and for being you have made this adventure what it is. One more week…let’s make it the best yet! and hopefully we can make you all proud.”
Giovanni was quick to respond to the post, replying with a revealing remark as he told Gorka, “Come on bro!!! Come on!!!” Gorka has been in the final three times, first in 2017 with Alexandra Burke, then a year later with Ashley Roberts and in 2020 with Maisie Smith.
He and the On the Farm host are currently the second favorites to take home the Glitterball trophy, behind longtime frontrunners Hamza and Jowita.
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