Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has spoken of his pride at taking his solo show to the London Palladium. As he posted about the career achievement, his fans were delighted to see actor Rose Ayling-Ellis – who he won the Glitterball trophy with in 2021 – there to support him on the night.
Giovanni has spent the past few weeks touring his show, Made In Italy, around the UK, the Manchester Evening News reports. After performing it at the Palladium at the weekend, he took to Instagram to post a picture of himself outside the iconic venue, with his face displayed on big screens.
“One day somebody told me: 'Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine'. And last night I felt proud of myself!” he wrote. The dancer also shared a video of the crowd giving him a standing ovation as he thanked them for their support, plus a snap of him with the team that have helped put the show together.
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He continued: “Played my OWN SOLO SHOW in one of the most iconic theatre in Europe! I'm grateful to all the 2300 people seating in the audience making sure that we were having the best time of our lives on stage!! We felt the love. Moments like this I will always treasure in my. THANK YOU!”
He added: “Now I have to top that up for next year… loooooooooove the challenge.. you know me bigger and better!! I promise.” Then, in his Instagram story, he shared some photos of him and Rose embracing after the triumphant performance.
Giovanni appeared emotional as he hugged his 2021 dance partner, surrounded by others celebrating the performance. He posted a string of heart emojis alongside the pictures.
Earlier, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing had filmed Rose getting plenty of attention from other theatre-goers as she took her seat in the audience.
Beneath Giovanni's original post, other stars, including Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson posted clapping emojis to applaud him on his success. Meanwhile, Dan Walker wrote, “Amazing Gio”, and Michelle Visage added, “Bravo.”
Fans also expressed their support and admiration for the dancer, with Ann writing: “Fantastic night Giovanni had beautiful photo taken with you and fantastic to see and speak with the gorgeous Rose , when you both reach for the stars and make this world a better place you soo deserved and worked hard for all the accolades you received last night fly high you guys.”
Stephanie commented: “You totally smashed it last night. So immensely proud of you and your amazing cast. Can't wait to see what you do next. The world is your oyster darling. Thank you for being you and for doing all that you can not only to share your passion for dance and performing, but also to share your platform to create a better, kinder, fairer world. Much love.”
Vicky put: “I had the BEST time last night, you were incredible and the whole production was amazing.” And Des added: “Giovanni, I saw your show in Cardiff, and that was amazing. I can only just imagine what it meant to you to perform at such an iconic venue in front of your family and friends.”
It comes after Strictly fans were relieved to learn that Giovanni has been confirmed to be returning to the show later this year. There had been fears the 32-year-old would quit after bowing out of the 2022 series early.
However, he will be returning this autumn, alongside other professionals Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola.
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