Giovanni Pernice is an Italian professional dancer who became a household name in the United Kingdom through nine seasons of Strictly Come Dancing. His partnership with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 won him a BAFTA and remains one of the most celebrated moments in the show’s history. As of 2025, Pernice has moved his career to Italy, won the local version of the dance competition, and is navigating a new public relationship while continuing to tour the UK.
The shift from BBC primetime to Italian television and live stage work marks a significant chapter for the 34-year-old dancer. With a strong social media following and ongoing tour announcements, Pernice remains a figure of intense public curiosity.
Who Is Giovanni Pernice? Biography and Career Background
Key Insights at a Glance
- Giovanni Pernice is a BAFTA-winning Italian dancer who became a household name in the UK through nine series of Strictly Come Dancing.
- As of 2025, his relationship with Bianca Guaccero is a top search query, but no official marriage confirmation exists.
- He remains active with dance classes (Ballando) and a 2027 UK tour, though his Strictly future is uncertain.
- His social media presence (1M+ Instagram followers) drives significant engagement and fan inquiries.
- There is high public interest in a potential book from Pernice, though no title or release date is confirmed as of 2025.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Strictly Debut | 2015 |
| Number of Strictly Series | 9 |
| Tour 2027 | UK & Ireland |
| Current Partner (Rumoured) | Bianca Guaccero |
| Book Status | Speculated, not confirmed |
| Dance Classes | Ballando in London |
What Is Giovanni Pernice’s Latest News (2025)?
The most significant 2025 development for Pernice was his victory on Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing. He won the show in late 2024 alongside actress and presenter Bianca Guaccero. BBC News reported in early 2025 that the couple had “recently confirmed their romantic relationship.”
Pernice’s win on Ballando con le Stelle is confirmed by BBC and Wikipedia sources. He described winning the show alongside Guaccero as a “dream come true.”
What Is Giovanni Pernice Doing Now (2025)?
Beyond his Italian television success, Pernice has been actively touring the UK with a live show called The Last Dance. Reports from the Manchester Evening News and other outlets also link him to a reunion tour with Anton Du Beke and other former Strictly professionals. Additionally, he is exploring entertainment opportunities beyond ballroom, including possible acting roles, though some reports note he may need English classes for such work.
Is Giovanni Pernice Still on Strictly Come Dancing?
In January 2025, Pernice told The Telegraph that he would “love” to return to Strictly Come Dancing, but believed the BBC had “closed the book” on him after the 2024 misconduct investigation. No official decision has been announced by the BBC as of early 2025.
Who Is Giovanni Pernice’s Current Partner or Wife? Understanding His Relationships
Public interest in Pernice’s romantic life has grown significantly, especially after his split from Molly Brown during the 2024 BBC investigation period and his subsequent relationship with Bianca Guaccero.
Who Is Giovanni Pernice’s Current Partner?
Multiple 2025 reports describe Bianca Guaccero as Pernice’s girlfriend. The couple met while competing on Ballando con le Stelle. Pernice told the BBC that winning the show together was a “dream come true.” However, no official marriage or engagement confirmation exists.
Is Giovanni Pernice Married?
As of 2025, there is no verified evidence that Giovanni Pernice is married. Reports of a possible engagement to Bianca Guaccero remain unconfirmed by official sources.
Who Is Bianca in Relation to Giovanni Pernice?
Bianca Guaccero is an Italian actress, singer, and television presenter. She was Pernice’s dance partner on Ballando con le Stelle and is now his girlfriend. Their relationship became public in late 2024.
What Is Giovanni Pernice’s Connection to Rose Ayling-Ellis?
Rose Ayling-Ellis was Pernice’s dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. Together they won the competition and received a BAFTA for their silent dance. They remain close friends, but there was never a romantic relationship.
Despite public confusion, Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis were never a couple. Their on-screen chemistry and iconic silent dance created a strong emotional connection, but both have described their relationship as purely platonic.
Does Giovanni Pernice Have a Book? Exploring His Media Projects
Book Status
There is no confirmed book by Giovanni Pernice as of 2025. No publisher or title has been announced. Speculation online may arise from misinterpreted headlines about the BBC “closing the book” on his return. No evidence of a book project exists in any credible source.
What Is Ballando and How Does It Relate to Giovanni Pernice?
Ballando is a dance class brand associated with Pernice, offering lessons in London. The name also references Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian show he won. In 2025, he was set to appear at a dance experience event with former Strictly professionals, offering “spectacular dance lessons and showcases.”
What Dance Tours Is Giovanni Pernice Doing?
His official website lists a 2027 UK & Ireland tour. In 2025, he toured extensively with The Last Dance and was reported to be planning a reunion tour with Anton Du Beke.
Some entertainment sites have speculated about Pernice opening a permanent dance school or launching a book, but these claims are not supported by official announcements or reliable news sources.
Key Events in Giovanni Pernice’s Career: A Timeline
- 1990 – Born in Sicily, Italy.
- 2015 – Joined BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer.
- 2021 – Won Strictly with Rose Ayling-Ellis; earned a BAFTA for their silent dance.
- 2023–2024 – Continued with Strictly; speculation about departure due to misconduct investigation.
- 2025 – Active with dance classes @ Ballando; rumoured relationship with Bianca Guaccero; 2027 tour announced.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear About Giovanni Pernice
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on 5 September 1990 (Wikipedia) | Whether he is married – no official records |
| Won BAFTA with Rose Ayling-Ellis (confirmed) | Engagement to Bianca Guaccero – rumoured, not confirmed |
| Won Ballando con le Stelle in 2024 (BBC) | Book publication – no publisher or title announced |
| Current girlfriend is Bianca Guaccero (multiple reports) | Return to Strictly Come Dancing – BBC has not confirmed |
| 2027 UK & Ireland tour is confirmed | Full details of acting career plans |
Why Giovanni Pernice Continues to Attract Public Interest
Giovanni Pernice remains one of the most searched Strictly professionals because of his high-profile partnerships and the personal-life intrigue that surrounds him. The spike in searches for “Giovanni Pernice wife” and “Giovanni Pernice and Bianca” reflects intense public curiosity, even though official sources remain silent on many details. His career pivot toward dance classes and touring suggests a strategic expansion beyond television, capitalising on his Strictly fame. The lack of an official book announcement, despite persistent search volume, may point to an unmet market opportunity or an unconfirmed project.
Sources and Key Quotes
“Giovanni Pernice … is an Italian professional dancer based in the United Kingdom, best known for his appearances on the British television series Strictly Come Dancing.”
“Giovanni Pernice 2027 UK & Ireland Tour. Book Tickets for one of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing.”
“BAFTA Winner Dance classes @ballando_dance Management:gavin@gavinbarkerassociates.co.uk”
Giovanni Pernice: What’s Next?
The immediate future for Giovanni Pernice includes a UK tour scheduled for 2027 and continued dance-class activities under the Ballando brand. Whether he returns to Strictly Come Dancing remains uncertain, but his public statements suggest he has not ruled it out. For readers interested in other Strictly personalities, you might also read our profile on Pete Wicks – Full Biography, Net Worth and Strictly Come Dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Giovanni Pernice
How old is Giovanni Pernice?
Giovanni Pernice was born on September 5, 1990, making him 34 as of 2025.
How many Instagram followers does Giovanni Pernice have?
As of 2025, Giovanni Pernice has over 1 million followers on Instagram.
What is Ballando?
Ballando is a dance class brand run by Giovanni Pernice, based in London, open to all skill levels.
Did Giovanni Pernice leave Strictly Come Dancing?
As of 2025, there is speculation about his departure, but official confirmation from the BBC is pending.
Is Giovanni Pernice dating Rose Ayling-Ellis?
No. Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis were Strictly dance partners and close friends, but not romantically involved.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.