The former Italian Open Latin Dance Champion has been Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancer since 2015 when he finished in second place in the show's 13th series.
Viewers of Strictly Come Dancing were devastated over the weekend as another couple, who had garnered a lot of love and support from viewers, was booted from the program. This time, the hapless names were Giovanni Pernice and his partner, BBC presenter Richie Anderson.
Since his elimination from the dancing compe, speculations concerning Giovanni's future on the program have started to surface, with some expressing worry that, in light of his early departure from the show this season, he would decide to end his career as a Strictly professional.
Giovanni denies exit rumors
However, Giovanni has recently taken to social media to set the record straight after reading claims in the media that he had threatened to quit the program.
The dancing sensation insisted in a post he shared on his Instagram Stories:
βIβm not going anywhere!β
Speaking to Digital Spy, a representative for Giovanni also clarified the Strictly rumors as nonsense:
βGio is NOT leaving the show β heβs not going anywhere! He looks forward to more years dancing,β his representative confirmed.
Giovanni joined Strictly in 2015
When he originally joined the Strictly cast in 2015, Giovanni had a successful debut, placing second with Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote.
His most fruitful year, though, was 2021, when he won Strictly and shared the Glitterball Trophy with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Giovanni, unfortunately, didn't fare so well this time around since he ended up in the dreaded dance-off in Movie Week after dancing to Hakuna Matata from The Lion King. He regrettably exited the competition with Richie Anderson, his celebrity dance partner.
Giovanni and Richie struggled to win over the judges after competing against X Factor contestant Fleur East and her boyfriend Vito Coppola. Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke unanimously decided to boot them from the competition.
βI have to say it's been an honor to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing, you really are a superfan,β Giovanni told Richie, following their elimination.
βAnd I'm glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you.β
Giovanni's reaction to his elimination
Giovanni Pernice, contrary to what many fans would believe, was eliminated from this season of Strictly Come Dancing, but the dancer demonstrated his positivity in a sincere remark while attending the National Television Awards on Thursday night.
When asked if the previous champion was disappointed to lose, Giovanni responded with a quick-witted retort:
βWhy would I be sad? I'm still alive!β
The dancer had reason to celebrate later on after the beloved Ballroom and Latin competition then picked up the award in the Talent Show category. Giovanni also appeared cheerfully to see Rose Ayling-Ellis, his fellow champion from 2021, who was also present at the London-based competition.
The surviving candidates will return to the ballroom this Saturday, October 15, for another opportunity to win over the judges, who this time around will be Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke.
Taking to the dance floor for Week 4 are Helen Skelton, James Bye, Molly Rainford, Will Mellor, Tyler West, Ellie Taylor, Tony Adams MBE, Fleur East, Kym Marsh, Jayde Adams, Ellie Simmonds, and Hamza Yassin.
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will undoubtedly be present to offer support for the celebs as they compete in the remaining dances.
Read more:
β Strictly Come Dancing: When does the 2022 edition of the show premiere?
β Vanessa Feltz opens up about 'falling in love' with Strictly partner James Jordan
β Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Start date, celebrities, judges, and more
β Full line-up of professional dancers in Strictly Come Dancing 2022
β Strictly Come Dancing: Who has won the show through the years
