Giovanni Pernice finally explains why he’s had so many girlfriends

16 March 2023 , 17:21

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Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice dreams of starting a family (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice says he would like to settle down and start a family.

But the dancer, 32, is currently focused on his career and hints in a new TV series he does not feel “grown up” enough to be a family man yet.

Opening up to friend Anton Du Beke on Anton and Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily, Giovanni says: “My mum always says to me, ‘so what is the situation?’

“You know, because obviously, every time I date a girl I always tell her and ask ‘what do you think about this.’

“Bless her, she saw so many passing by and she asks ‘is she the one?’ and she says ‘You know I want a baby before I pass away’. Of course I want to have a family one day you know, I just have to find the right person first.

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Giovanni has previously dated stars including Jess Wright (Getty Images)

Giovanni with another of his old flames, Maura Higgins (Instagram)

“I’m just very focused on my career as you were at my age. I always say it as a bit of a joke, but I mean it, when I grow up I want to be Anton Du Beke.”

Anton tells him he will make a great dad one day, and that he understands.

Giovanni has dated stars including Maura Higgins, Ashley Roberts, Georgia May Foote and Jess Wright.

He has just split from Strictly co-star Jowita Przystal after three months.

Giovanni on Strictly with Georgia May Foote, who he has also dated (BBC/Guy Levy)

But he adds: “I do get lonely sometimes, there’s no one to share it with. It’s a tricky thing, a fine line.

“Sometimes you want to be free to be able to focus on your career.”

Anton, 56, whose twins George and Henrietta with wife Hannah turn six this month, tells his friend: “Whoever it is you end up with, they will be lucky to have you.”

Giovanni poured his heart out to old pal Anton Du Beke (pictured) (ITV)

The pair have their heart to heart over a barbecue, which at a screening for the series Giovanni admitted was unusual. He added: “It was a rollercoaster of emotion.”

In lighter moments, the pair go octopus fishing and paddle boarding and their two families meet at a party.

* Anton and Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily begins on March 21 on BBC One.

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