Giovanni Pernice has well and truly put his Strictly Come Dancing woes behind him as he won the Italian version of the show after winning over his dance partner’s heart.
The former Strictly pro, who once dated Maura Higgins, claimed the trophy on the show Ballando con le Stelle on Saturday night with his new girlfriend, 34, the Italian actress Bianca Guaccero.
Giovanni developed a romantic connection with Bianca, who is almost 10 years his senior, after they were paired together for the competition and the couple recently confirmed they were dating.
The dancer gushed in an interview that Bianca is his ‘priority’ while the actress said that Giovanni has helped her believe in love at the age of 43.
And on Saturday night, their time on the show had a ‘fairy tale’ ending as they won the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing after performing a passionate Argentinian tango and a quickstep.
Giovanni and Bianca kissed as they raised the huge trophy together with Bianca saying: ‘It’s the first time I’ve won something in my life, and it’s wonderful’.
One of the judges, Fabio Canino, commented on their romance and triumphant final, saying: ‘Your story is close to a fairy tale.’
Meanwhile, in a statement, Giovanni acknowledged that he had a ‘difficult year’ and thanked his Irish fans for their support as he announced: ‘I’m back’.
Giovanni quit the UK version of Strictly earlier this year after allegations of ‘inappropriate’ behaviour in training by dance partner Amanda Abbington and a bullying probe by the BBC. He was subsequently cleared of the ‘overwhelming majority’ of her allegations although some of her allegations were upheld.
Following his win, Giovanni wrote: ‘We did it!! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS !! After a difficult year I’m back.
‘Thank you to each and every one of you that took the time to support me and Bianca over the last few months – it hasn’t gone un noticed. We have done some incredible dances, and obviously I’m very proud of what we achieved together!
‘To everyone in the UK and Ireland – thank you so much. The constant support I have felt from you all over the last few months has been unbelievable! I see you all, and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for being there last night and voting when needed – I know it was a lot.
‘It felt amazing to be in the final again doing what I love – and then to win as well was a dream and definitely something I will never forget! Thank you for being there and being part of that with me. I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!’
We wonder what’s next for Giovanni and Bianca as he even hinted at marriage after their performance of the tango, saying: ‘If we win the show, I’ll seriously think about [proposing].’
Perhaps a wedding could be the real fairy tale ending for Giovanni!