Giovanni Pernice aroused alarm among his fans on Wednesday when he stated that he will be unable to appear in several upcoming stage performances due to an injury.
The 2021 Strictly champion shared the bad news and more information about what he’ll be missing out on in a video on Instagram.
Fans rushed to offer their support and send their best wishes, with one saying, “Look after yourself Giovanni, your health has to come first.”
Others commented, “Sorry to hear this Giovanni, but rest that ankle, that’s the most important thing,” and “Get some TLC and well-deserved rest. That is the most effective treatment. Best wishes, Giovanni.”
The professional dancer has been enjoying performing with his co-star and close friend Anton du Beke, and he recently delighted fans by celebrating Anton’s 57th birthday with a romantic sequence of videos, including one in which he playfully referred to the Strictly Judge as his “sweetheart.”
Other clips from the day showed the couple in a hotel after a shopping trip, with Anton enjoying a celebratory sparkling water with lime while Giovanni chose a still water.
Anton wore a turquoise jacket and shorts for his wedding, and while Giovanni didn’t reveal his entire wardrobe, he could be seen wearing sunglasses, a black T-shirt, and a matching leather jacket.
Giovanni and Anton are quite close, and the two have even gone on multiple national tours together, including their current one, named Him and Me.
Earlier this year, the couple recorded their travel series, Anton and Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily, in Giovanni’s native nation of Italy. Giovanni also reunited with Rose Ayling-Ellis, with whom he won the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
The show was warmly received, and Anton and Giovanni prepared a cute video to commemorate the BBC travel documentary being nominated for an NTA prize.
Giovanni took to Instagram and released a video of himself addressing his followers while smiling broadly. “Hello everyone… As you may know, I’ve been away for a long time; I’m back now in London, and the first person I’m seeing is my other half, who is next to me right now,” he began.
They also appeared on Good Morning Britain earlier this month, when they spoke with Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard about their upcoming tour and how their colleague Amy Dowden is doing after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Amy was hailed as a “fighter” by Giovanni, while Anton added, “She’s an incredible girl, and we’re all wishing her as much love and sending as much support as we can.”
“We’re all on a group chat, and we’re with her the whole way. We can’t wait to see her fighting fit again on the show.”
