02 November 2023 , 12:54
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Giovanni Pernice has revealed a secret project with pal Anton du Beke after his unexpected departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
The 33-year-old left the BBC One reality series last month after his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, announced her withdrawal from the competition. The Sherlock star revealed that she was leaving Strictly for 'personal reasons' on October 24, before adding that she was 'so sad' that she was no longer able to participate. Amanda, 49, also expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey on the show, but notably did not thank Giovanni in the lengthy statement.
While the Italian ballroom dancer may no longer have his sights set on the Glitterball trophy, it appears he's quickly replaced his Strictly training schedule with other projects. Giovanni took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share a fun video of him with Anton du Beke, who became on the judge on the glitzy talent channel in 2021 after years of mentoring its celebrity contestants.
Strictly pals Giovanni and Anton have given fans a glimpse into their secret project (Instagram/ @giovannipernice)
Giovanni and Anton have been close friends for years (Instagram/ @giovannipernice)"He doesn't know we are back in the booth," Giovanni tells the camera, before adding, "Good morning to you, my love." Anton then chimes in to say, "Welcome to Spain," and to joke, "We look like a couple of DJs from the 1980s." Giovanni then asks his co-host for his first tune of the day, to which Anton replies, "Let's spin those wheels with Dancing Queen by Abba."
The pair have been close friends now for years, having filmed a BBC travel documentary together in Gio's hometown of Sicily earlier this year. The talented duo are also going on a joint tour next year, much to the excitement of their devout fanbase. Giovanni has previously gushed about his bromance with Anton, revealing that the 57-year-old "has always been the person to look after" him since his arrival in the UK. "I used to call him and I still call him The Godfather," he added.
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The update comes just a few hours after Giovanni shared a post of his candlelit dinner with former Strictly partner Rose Ayling-Ellis. He won the competition alongside the EastEnders star in 2021 after wowing judges and viewers alike with their consistently impressive routines, marking the Italian choreographer's first win since joining the show in 2015.
Giovanni has suffered a number of setbacks in the past few months, including the cancellation of his upcoming live show, Let Me Entertain You, in Cardiff over issues with the venue's construction.
It hasn't been all bad news for the BAFTA-winner, however. Giovanni launched his new unisex fragrance, VITA, at the end of October, which he calls a "dream come true."
"I have long been passionate about fragrance and the way scent can captivate the emotions and transport us to another place," he told his followrs. "VITA is the embodiment of my passions, a personal and complex fragrance which slowly seduces as it unfolds on the skin."