Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has expressed fears about the dancing potential of his next partner on the hit BBC show after his superb win in the 2021 series with actor Rose Ayling-Ellis. Appearing on stage with new show judge Anton Du Beke, Giovanni voiced concerns about getting a 's**t partner' when Strictly returns in the autumn.
He had been teased by Anton during the pair's touring show Anton & Giovanni - Him & Me when it visited Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. Professional dancer turned Strictly judge Anton said that for Giovanni, after winning the show, the only way was down.
"Does this mean I'll get a s**t partner?", Giovanni said to laughter from the audience. He then repeated the line to more laughter from the packed Everyman Theatre.
As the pair giggled on stage, Anton said it was the first time he had said the s-word on stage, and when Giovanni tried to find another non-swear word, a member of the audience said the s-word was just fine.
The pair's show, which includes dancing, singing and chat, continues until July 22. While some venues and dates have sold out, some tickets are still available.
Anton, 55, becomes a regular fixture on the Strictly judging panel this year after standing in for Bruno Tonioli in 2021. Bruno, who is a judge on American series Dancing With The Stars, was unable to take part last year to “uncertainty over international travel restrictions” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and has now left the show for good.
After lifting the glitterball in December's grand final, Rose and Giovanni won the must-see moment award at the TV Baftas last month for their silent dance in tribute to the deaf community.
Giovanni's return to the show for its 20th series was confirmed last month. The 31-year-old will be joined by fellow returning Strictly professionals Johannes Radebe, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell and Graziano Di Prima.
Pernice, who first joined the BBC One show in 2015, picked up the Glitterball trophy with Rose in 2021, marking his first Strictly win. Ayling-Ellis, 27, was the first deaf contestant on the show and, during couple’s choice week, the pair performed a routine in which they paused the music and danced in silence as a tribute to the deaf community.
Pernice is now the longest-serving male professional in the current line-up, according to the BBC. His previous celebrity partners have included Georgia May Foote, Michelle Visage and Debbie McGee.
Anton Du Beke was previously the show’s longest-running professional, having appeared on the show since it first aired in 2004. After a successful debut in 2021, pro dancers Kai Widdrington, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard and Jowita Przystal will also be returning to the show.
