Giovanni Pernice finally confirms romance with stunning dance partner on Italian Strictly

By Harry Rutter, Audience Editor

Giovanni Pernice kisses celeb dance partner during routine

Giovanni Pernice has finally confirmed his romance with his Strictly Come Dancing co-star after their undeniably raunchy performance together.

The former UK telly star is currently starring on the Italian version of Strictly after being axed from the British version over bullying claims. Things had been hotting up on the dancefloor abroad as he continued to get closer with partner Bianca Guaccero.

Now the two have finally admitted they're an item after weeks of speculation. "Bianca is my priority. She has been my priority from the beginning," Giovanni explained.

Speaking on Saturday's episode of Ballando con le Stelle, he added: "She is still my priority today and will be until the end of the show and beyond."

Replying, Bianca said: "Being someone's priority is something new for me. I have always been the one taking care of others. It's an amazing feeling. It's something I'm discovering at the age of 43.

The loved-up pair have faced swirling romance rumours (Image: Getty)

"Having someone next to me who is proud of me and is happy for my happiness is something new to me. This had never happened to me in my life."

It's not the only time the two gushed about each other. In an upcoming interview airing in December, Bianca opens up about her whirlwind romance with Giovanni.

"Dear Giovanni, I promise you to leave out all my fears, doubts and closures. The symbolic gift I put under the Christmas tree is to believe in our possibilities."

It's thought the pair have been getting closer in recent weeks, with Bianca jetting to London to visit Giovanni in the UK after he met her family in Bitonto, Southern Italy.

"I had a heavy stone on my heart, I had difficulty believing in true love. When I met Giovanni I felt at home and I was in London with him and then 24 hours with my parents', she says in her interview. "I wanted to introduce him to the country and the people I love."

Giovanni opened up about his new-found romance on Saturday (Image: Getty)

Last month, their chemistry was undeniable during a Rumba routine that can only be described as sizzling. Bianca began the dance alone atop a box, clad in a seductive red and black lace silk dress reminiscent of a nightgown, while Giovanni stood behind her.

As she descended to join him, the intensity between them grew. The end of their performance saw Giovanni turn Bianca towards him for a passionate kiss, which was met with rapturous applause from the audience.

But drama ensued when Bianca's dress strap snapped, causing a wardrobe malfunction just before the kiss. The routine, which earned them a score of 45 out of 50, caught the eye of one judge who noted multiple romantic clinches, not just the final smooch.

Taking to social media to express her excitement over the performance, Bianca wrote: "What a thrill last night... Our hearts were beating so fast from the beginning to the end of the performance.

"I would have wanted you there in the middle, my friends [heart emoji]. Thank you for all the support you have given us. I love you so much See you next Saturday!".