Reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion Giovanni Pernice has given a clear indication on who he's backing to win this year, with a very public show of support for Gorka Marquez on Instagram.
It's now been 12 months since Italian pro dancer Giovanni triumphed in the BBC ballroom, alongside EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, after the pair captivated both the Strictly judges and viewers at home with their partnership from the get-go. Bookies had them nailed on winners weeks before the end of the series and they lived up to expectations by beating John Whaite and Johannes Radebe in last year's final.
In contrast to 2021, Giovanni's stay in the competition this year was much more brief, with him becoming the second pro to be eliminated, alongside One Show star Richie Anderson. Since then, although he's appeared in group numbers and danced with Katya Jones to Lewis Capaldi's performance in the Strictly semi final results show, Giovanni has been largely under the radar.
