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.
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However, he's been very clear on who he is supporting to follow in his footsteps at the weekend, as he sent a very public message to friend and fellow pro Gorka on Instagram. After he and celeb partner Helen Skelton made it through to the final, Gorka took to his account to write: "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 !!!" Gorka has made the final twice before, firstly with Alexandra Burke in 2017 and Maisie Smith in 2020.
He and On the Farm presenter are currently second favourites to take home the Glitterball trophy, behind long time frontrunners Hamza and Jowita.
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