BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice lines up…

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice lines up 2023 dance partner - and they're a well-known face

Giovanni Pernice has teased his new dance partner after hitting back at claims he was set to quit Strictly Come Dancing. The Italian dancer emerged victorious in 2021 when he lifted the Glitterball trophy for the first time in seven years on the BBC One dance show with Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The reigning champ then returned in September for the 20th series of the much-loved TV competition where he was in one of two same-sex couples. Giovanni was paired with BBC Radio 2 star Richie Anderson and despite delighting the judges and viewers with their routines, the couple faced an early exit as they became the second couple to be eliminated from the contest.

The pair went up against Fleur East and Vito Coppola and had to dance again for their survival in the competition after the second public vote of the series saw both couples receive the fewest votes from the public. They had to reprise their third-week dances again, with Richie and Giovanni performing their head-turning samba to Hakuna Matata from the much-loved Disney movie The Lion King.

They donned Lion King costumes for their performance. BBC Radio 2 host Richie dressed as mischievous meerkat Timon, while reigning champ Gio, 32, was dressed as warthog Pumbaa. Despite their best efforts, the judges chose to save Fleur and Vito and following his early exit from Strictly, Giovanni was reportedly considering quitting the show.

But he was quick to hit back at the claims and took to his Instagram Stories to share a news headline, which read: "Giovanni threatens to quit show after being 'wasted' this series". He then added: "LOL [laughing face emojis] I'm not going anywhere!!!"

And it appears he's found his dance partner for the 2023 series. The dancer took to his Instagram Story as he appeared to be doing some filming for Children In Need ahead of its annual fundraiser in November. Giovanni filmed the icon that is Pudsey Bear showing off his moves while holding a Pudsey-shaped 10 scoring padel.

The dancer filmed the iconic bear showing off his own dance moves (Giovanni Pernice Instagram)

Gio added the Strictly theme tune over the top before sharing a follow-up video of himself, all suited and booted, alongside the big yellow bear. As he nodded towards Pudsey, Giovanni said: "Next year," before looking it to the camera and saying: "We're doing Strictly together next year, okay?"

As Pudsey nodded, Giovanni said: "Perfect," before the video ended. But Pudsey has already showed off some of his skills on Strictly having appeared on Saturday night's show. The charity bear appeared in the opening of the show as they celebrated the BBC's centenary.

To kick off Saturday’s show, the professional dancers and judges performed a routine which moved through numerous classic BBC shows including Casualty, EastEnders and University Challenge. The number opened with broadcaster BBC News' Huw paying tribute to the dance competition and later Graham featuring judge Motsi Mabuse in his show’s famous red chair.

Giovanni has lined-up Pudsey as his next dance partner (Giovanni Pernice Instagram)

There was also a special feature for the show's former host Sir Bruce Forsyth who was seen in a throwback clip dancing with late broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan. BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans also brought his drumming talents to the Ballroom while Pudsey Bear got in on the action by playing the piano.

Opening the show, co-host Tess Daly said: “Tonight we are celebrating 100 years of the BBC.” Fellow host Claudia Winkleman added: “That was our most ambitious group number ever featuring 14 BBC shows and 35 BBC stars all choreographed by Matt Flint." The dance competition then honoured 100 years of the BBC with routines to classic BBC theme songs and references to popular shows.

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