Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice declares ‘I’m back’ as fans rush to support dancer

Giovanni Pernice left fans over the moon after issuing an ‘return’ announcement online

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Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice declares ‘I’m back’ as fans rush to support dancer (Image: PA)

Giovanni Pernice had fans gushing “good to see you back” after he marked a major return.

The Italian dancer quit Strictly Come Dancing last summer after nine years on the glitzy BBC One show. And since his exit, it’s fair to say Gio has kept himself busy.

In late 2024, he was crowned the winner of the Italian version of the UK show, Ballando con le Stelle with partner and now-girlfriend, actress Bianca Guaccero.

Gio then headed back on tour this year and following the end of the gig in May, Giovanni didn’t take too much time off as he was quick to head back out on the road, this time with friend and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.

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Giovanni was a firm favourite on the show(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

He also headed to Italy where he returned as a pro on the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle. This week though, Giovanni delighted fans where he returned to his X account, after a year of being inactive.

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Taking to the platform, Giovanni shared a photo of him posing on a chair in a dressing room. He wrote: “It’s been a while. I’m back! How are we?” As expected, fans were over the moon to see Giovanni back on X.

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He shared a post online(Image: ITV)

One person said: “It’s been a while since we saw you!” Another added: “Good to see you back!” A third chimed in: “Great to see you back.” Someone else penned: “We have missed you.”

It comes after Giovanni celebrated a major milestone in September when he turned 35. The TV star shared a photo on Instagram that showed him relaxing in style on a boat.

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Fans were left over the moon(Image: Giovanni Pernice Instagram)

He said: “Level up .. 35 today.”Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas was quick to respond, writing: “A very very happy birthday to you. Enjoy every minute x see you soon,” while Anton quipped: “Finally the same age as me! Happy birthday my love. Hope you have a wonderful day.”

Pro dancer Kai Widdrington said: “Happy birthday fra,” meaning ‘bro’ in Italian slang, while Strictly 2017 contestant Gemma Atkinson shared: “HBD! Sending lots of love.”

Former footballer John Terry replied: “Happy Birthday mate” Giovanni’s former dancer partner Michelle Visage also added: “Happy happy!!!!!”