Giovanni Pernice has shared his love for one of his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after opening up about the difficult decision to move to the UK. Last week, the dancer, who has appeared on the BBC One dance show since 2019, discussed the things he wished he knew when he left Italy.
"Before I moved to London I wish I knew these three things. First things first, not to worry so much," he started his video which was shared to Instagram as part of a partnership with HSBC. "Leaving friends and family and your home is difficult but don't worry because you'll make new friends and they will become like your family."
He also said people should 'be prepared' for the move as he plugged HSBC services before moving on to the third thing he wish he knew which was 'to trust the process.
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"If you don't know the language, trust me, you will learn it, only if you throw yourself into something. Look at me, I didn't know any English and now I can't be quiet," he added. A week on from sharing the video, Giovanni has returned to social media to thanks fans for their reaction and to sharing their own experiences.
It the led to him reflecting on how 'difficult' it can be to leave your home behind but reminisced on his career so far which has seen him take part in eight series of Strictly, lift the Glitterball with Rose Ayling-Ellis and tour the country with both his own shows and with the hit show.
"Ciao, it's me, Giovanni. I just wanted to say thank you to everybody so much for following my story and and thank you to HSBC for asking me to share it with you," the 32-year-old started his new clip. "I've watched back and I have to say what a fantastic journey it has been moving to the UK," he continued as the video became interspersed with moments from her career.
"It was always going to be difficult with the language and moving away from home. Yes, it was difficult but now looking back, it was definitely worth it. I would do it a hundred million times again and again. And to everybody out there thinking of making the big move, there is a whole world of opportunity."
He rounded off his video by saying: "So if you're thinking of doing it, jut do it! You have one life to live. Go explore. Take risks. Nothing is permanent people. So you can always change your situation. But if you're thinking of doing it, just go for it. Do it. Good luck!"
Giovanni then captioned the post to his 1M followers: "AD / HSBC UK I have had the best time sharing with you my experiences of moving and remembering everything from the past 8 years. All the achievements, professionally and personally, it has been amazing! Moving to London was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I have loved sharing this with you and hearing your stories about moving abroad."
Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas was among the first to respond to the post, writing: "@giovannipernice I’m proud of you." Having seen the message, Giovanni replied: "Love ya," with a heart. And once again, fans flooded the talented TV star with messages of support.
@glittergirljojo said: "There are so many of us here in the UK who are so glad you made the move to London we all love you Giovanni." @scappaticci.christina replied: "So happy you did come to the UK otherwise who else could entertain the nation like you. Your hard work and determination are an inspiration to us all. Grazie Mille Giovanni
@fanny_lane52 commented: "I'm glad you took the chance and your hard work has paid off @giovannipernice." @annedoherty78 wrote: "So very glad you took that huge step. Thank you." @tassy38 typed: "Amazing! You are inspirational ." @fayekubilay added: "So happy you moved to the UK."
