GIOVANNI Pernice became a Strictly Come Dancing heartthrob after his success in the 2017 series. So fans are delighted to see him waltzing back onto our screens for the 2019 series.
He has reached the final three times, with Georgia May Foote, Debbie McGee and Faye Tozer, but it's another Strictly star, Ashley Roberts, who's stolen his heart.
Is Giovanni still dating Ashley Roberts?
As far as we know, Giovanni and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts are still dating.
In May, the smitten dancer shared a gushing Instagram snap of the pair locking lips.
He wrote the caption: "I never thought anyone would ever make me smile, laugh and steal my heart as fast as you did !! I love you amore."
The Sun revealed that the pair were dating earlier this year, and the new couple flew out to the US to spend Christmas with her family earlier this month.
The pair were then caught snogging at Strictly’s wrap party before going on their Christmas break.
The Sun had told of Giovanni and Ashley, a fellow finalist with Pasha Kovalev, growing close in rehearsals but they tried to keep it under wraps.
The couple then officially confirmed their romance on December 31, 2018, when they shared a public kiss outside a club in Miami.
Giovanni has previously spoken out about how he does not believe in the infamous Strictly curse.
He said: "No. If you’re in a strong relationship, it’s not inevitable that you’ll begin an affair with your dance partner.
"The rumba, the Argentine tango, they require you to put across physical attraction. But it doesn’t have to spill over to real life."
Who else has Giovanni dated?
The pro dancer is no stranger to sweeping strangers off their feet.
During Giovanni's first Strictly series he was partnered with former Corrie star Georgia May Foote.
The pair fell for each other and did very well on the programme, coming runner-up in the final, before confirming their romance once the series had ended.
However, just ahead of the 2016 series a year later, the couple, unfortunately, announced their split.
Most recently, Giovanni split with former TOWIE star Jess Wright after Giovanni 'struggled' with Jess' popularity.
Who is Giovanni partnered with on Strictly 2019?
It hasn't been revealed who Giovanni will be partnered with in Strictly 2019.
However, fans don't have long to wait, because Strictly will reveal who each dancer is partnered with at the launch show.
It is pre-recorded on Friday, August 30, 2019 at Elstree Studios.
Giovanni has a track record of getting good partners, having made the finals three times in his four years on the show.
Last year, he was partnered with singer Faye Tozer. The pair finished as joint runners up alongside Joe Sugg and Ashley Roberts.
In 2017, his celebrity partner was television presenter Debbie McGee. They reached the final but finished as joint runners-up alongside Alexandra Burke and Gemma Atkinson.
What is Giovanni's background?
Giovanni Pernice is a 28-year-old professional dancer who joined Strictly in 2015.
He was born in Sicily and started dance lessons at a young age.
He rocketed to fame following his appearance as a professional dancer on the 13th series of Strictly in 2015.
However, the talented dancer is yet to win Strictly, and says his greatest achievement to date is winning Italian Championships in 2012.
The star's "Nato Per Vincere" tattoo means "born to win", so hopefully his luck will transfer onto the Strictly dancefloor soon.
He says his favourite dance is the jive, as it reflects his cheekiness.
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2019 start?
Strictly Come Dancing will be back for its 17th series on BBC One in 2019.
It starts off with the red carpet launch on Monday, August 26, 2019.
The series premiere will follow shortly after, but a date is yet to be confirmed.
The main show will air live on Saturday evenings with the results the following day on Sundays.
In 2018 the show started on October 6 – with this in mind the show could start on Saturday October 5.
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