Giovanni Pernice shared a moving message with fans as he marked a pretty important milestone in his life. Taking to Instagram on Saturday (December 17), the Italian dancer recalled winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 ahead of new winners being announced as the 2022 series comes to an end.
Giovanni stormed to victory during the 19th series of the BBC One dance contest alongside former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis. Their partnership - and their impressive moves - led to them lifting the Glitterball trophy during the dance contest's grand finale back in December 2021.
The pair also made history as their win made Rose the show's first-ever deaf winner after being the first-ever deaf contestant to take part. And It's fair to say fans were gutted when their journey finally came to an end, which came after they became champions for a second time after winning all but two of the Strictly Come Dancing tour shows during the 33-date run earlier this year.
But tonight, the pair will be passing on the reigning champ's title onto a new couple as Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez, Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Fleur East and Vito Coppola and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu all go head-to-head in the Strictly 2022 final.
Sharing a picture of himself and Rose during their winning moment last year to Instagram, Giovanni wrote: "That indescribable feeling!" He went on to say in a moving message: "Today @rose.a.e and I pass our crown of reigning champions to another incredible couple.. and believe me when i say that everyone deserves to win!
"Good luck and please remember to vote for your faves .. we all do have faves.. and thanks to all of you for supporting and watching another series of @bbcstrictly!! There is no show without you. Always grateful to be part of this incredible family."
And fans were quick to jump into the comments section to say the same thing. @bev509 said: "Giovanni let’s be honest there will never be champions like you and Rose!! They are all great but you two were the best!!"
@ccaroline534 commented: "This was the best win ever!! never to topped!" @anna_boorman wrote: "Best couple and champions EVER!!" @coates.lynette posted: "You and Rose will always be our champions forever. @donnamcourt replied: "The Rose & Gio partnership was indescribably beautiful. Will never be replaced in my heart."
@emilybee_87 added: "Have loved this series and I certainly have my favourites so rooting for them to win BUT you @giovannipernice and @rose.a.e are my forever favourites and winners and always will be. Please let us see you dance together again soon."
Meanwhile, Gemma Atkinson was among the first to comment as she showed her support for her fiance Gorka and his dance partner Helen as they prepare to dance for the Glitterball trophy. "Can you pass it to Gorka and Helen please!" she said with a crying laughing emoji.
It comes after she shared her own message for her man and Helen as they prepare for the Strictly final. In a post on Instagram, Hits Radio host Gemma, 38, typed: Thrilled to be sat watching the show live this evening and cheering stupidly loud for Gorks & Helen!
"I'm beyond proud of what they have achieved. To use the cringe word 'journey' is an understatement! The transformation in Helen’s dancing is outstanding and it’s because she now believes in herself, knows her worth and now just goes for it!
"Gorka being the most incredible teacher and mentor and all of the kind wonderful msgs of support from people has all helped get her there. Kind words go along way in building someone up. Thank you for all your votes! It means so much.
"Time away from families and hours of dancing between work and home life have all paid off because they’ve made the final! The final push for that glitter ball is what we need! I’ve cleared a space especially in the loo for it. Hope you enjoy tonight’s show and if you’re voting with us THANK YOU! Let’s goooooo!!!"
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