Giovanni Pernice has responded to claims he's thinking of quitting Strictly Come Dancing after he made an early exit from the competition last weekend. The Italian dancer and his celebrity partner Richie Anderson found themselves in a shock bottom two during Sunday's results show.
The pair went up against Fleur East and Vito Coppola and had to dance again for their survival in the BBC One dance contest after the second public vote of the 20th 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. Meanwhile, former The X Factor contestant Fleur, 34, re-performed the American smooth to Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid with her dance partner, new Italian pro Vito. And it was their performance that was enough to save them from elimination with the judges almost unanimously voting to save them.
Following his early exit from Strictly, reigning champion Giovanni was reportedly considering quitting the show. But he has been 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!!!" But Giovanni's denial comes after fans were left concerned for the dancer, who lifted the Glitterball trophy for the first time last year after an incredible journey with the show's first-ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Giovanni, who first joined Strictly back in 2015 when he reached the final with former Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote, took to Instagram with a photo of himself at a special gala night for Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London. He was seen standing alone, smiling at the camera with his huge hand tattoo of a rose slightly hidden as he popped his hand into his pocket.
"'The greatest thing you'll ever learn it just to love and be loved in return @moulinmusicaluk wonderful gala evening supporting and raising funds for @teenage_cancer @zebelbespoke," he captioned the post while looking dapper in the snap in a khaki green blazer over a pale blue, open shirt.
And fans were quick to flock to share their thoughts in the comments section. @bridgetmercer said: "Hope you are ok you don’t look yourself." @e.slaymaker commented: "You are loved by so many people." @gem_tops wrote: "Awww Gio, we do Love you." @sarno7 shared: "Will miss you every week but you will shine whatever you do. Not watching strictly now this season. It hasn’t got the magic of last year that you and Rose brought to the show."
@magill_lisa posted: "My favourite line from a song ever! Gutted about the Strictly results this week as you’re my favourite professional. Last year was always going to be hard to top though." @jayne.downes.7564 added: "So true Giovanni...never forget how loved you are by so many of us."
While Richie has since broken his silence on his exit in a gushing Instagram post, Giovanni has remained silent on social media, only replying to his dance partner's post. Alongside a picture of him from his first routine in a George Michael-inspired 'Choose Dance' tee as well as a string of backstage snaps, the presenter wrote: " Choose Dance - always! It’s been short, but sweet! Never did I think I’d be given the chance to attempt to cha cha cha, quickstep and samba live on television.
"I also got to meet some amazing people who will be friends forever! Can’t wait to cheer everyone on for the rest of the series, @giovannipernice it’s been an honour to dance in the ballroom with you. Thanks to everyone who voted, supported and sent kind comments. He rounded off his post by adding: "Keeeeeep Dancing." And Giovanni responded: "Well done mate!! Always choose dance and you def did. Be proud of yourself."
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