Giovanni Pernice sparks romance rumours with Italian Strictly partner as she sits on his knee in cosy new video
GIOVANNI Pernice has sparked romance rumours with his Italian Strictly partner after the pair put on a cosy display in their latest Instagram video.
The professional dancer, 34, who quit the BBC show earlier this year, joined singer and TV presenter Bianca Guaccero, 43, for a bi-lingual post.
The pair were drumming up support for the Italian dancing series, called Ballando con le Stelle, with Bianca sitting snug on Giovanni's knee as she opened up to her home-grown fans.
Giovanni - who previously scooped the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing title with Rose Ayling Ellis, 29 - was mindful of his English-speaking followers as he translated her words.
The Capri 3 star - who has opened up on the pair's "rollercoaster rehearsals" - donned a black sports bra which flashed her abs with matching leggings, covering up in an Adidas sports jacket.
Giovanni, who was perched on a wicker chair surrounded with a romantic floral display, donned a black vest.
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He made sure to keep an arm wrapped around Bianca to stop her becoming unstable.
In his caption, he wrote: "My friends!! Attention, attention.
"On all the social profiles of #BCLS (Facebook, Instagram and X) our voting cards have officially been released to support us in this episode!
Just put a like on each one to overcome this week together!!️
"You will find all the direct links on how to vote for us on my stories!!️"
Giovanni recently topped the leaderboard of his new series.
The pair were awarded the highest score of the night during the latest instalment, with three 10s, and two nines, totalling 48 overall.
Previously, a clip posted on the show's Instagram page saw Giovanni and Bianca meeting up for the first time.
In the short video, the duo introduced themselves and even kissed each other on the cheek.
PROBE OUTCOME
Giovanni previously appeared as professional dancer on Strictly from 2015 to 2023.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".
The findings of a probe into former his off-screen behaviour were published earlier this month.
The report upheld six out of 17 allegations against him.
The BBC has now apologised to Giovanni's former show partner, actress Amanda Abbington, over the programme's bullying scandal.
The investigation also found instances of Giovanni using swear words, "belittling" language and giving negative feedback.
Who is Bianca Guaccero?
BIANCA Guaccero has sparked romance rumours with Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovani Pernice - but who is she?
BIANCA is an Italian actress and singer and TV presenter.
She is 43, and was born in Bari, Italy.
She began her TV career at the age of 16 and is best-known for featuring in the Capri series.
Her first film was Terra Bruciata in 1999.
The star is now partnered with former Strictly star Giovanni on Ballando con le Stelle.
The pair previously topped the leaderboard of the series, and were recently awarded the highest score of the night during the latest instalment.
They scooped three 10s, and two nines, totalling 48 overall.
In their short introductory video, the duo introduced themselves and even kissed each other on the cheek.
Yet it concluded the Italian was not abusive to the Sherlock star, did not make threats and was not intimidating.
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Giovanni had always denied the claims.
He is now building back his career after the probe, and recently revealed a huge new UK job.