Giovanni Pernice hinted he had a clear favourite going into Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing final, with a cryptic post on Instagram.
It's now been 12 months since Italian pro Giovanni lifted the Strictly Glitterball trophy, alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, with the couple living up to their billing as bookies' favourites to beat John Whaite and Johannes Radebe in the 2021 final, after AJ Odudu was forced to withdraw due to injury.
On Saturday night, Molly Rainford, Hamza Yassin, Helen Skelton and Fleur East and their respective partners will battle it out for this year's Strictly trophy, each performing three dances in the final in a bid to win the all important public vote. As he prepared to relinquish his title to another pro, Giovanni took to Instagram to relive his and Rose's winning moment and address this year's final.
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And it was in the post that Giovanni gave a not so subtle hint that he will be rooting for one particular couple, writing: "good luck and please remember to vote for your faves .. we all do have faves," adding a cheeky wink emoji after his words.
While reigning champion Giovanni didn't actually reveal the identity of who his 'favourite' was, it looks likely that he was referring to Gorka Marquez, given his post about the Strictly final came days after he made a very public show of support on the pro dancer's Instagram.
Celebrating making the final alongside Helen Skelton, Gorka posted: "The only thing I can say is THANK YOU for getting us to the final, for your constant messages and support and for making this adventure what it is. One more week…let’s make it the best one yet! and hopefully we can make you all proud."
Giovanni was swift to respond to the post, replying with a telling remark as he told Gorka: "Come on brother!!! Come on !!!"
Who do you want to win Strictly? Let us know in our poll below:
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