05 April 2023 , 09:06
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Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice broke down in tears when he was reunited with father on TV last night.
The Italian dancer, 32, caught up with his dad during the final episode of BBC's Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily, which also stars Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, 56.
To celebrate Gio's birthday, the star's family hosted him surprise party - which was also attended by his former dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Talking separately away from the other guests, Giovanni told his father: "Thank you so much for organising this surprise, it's great to spend it together after 10 years!"
Praising his son, his dad said: "You deserve this and much much more. You have given up immense joy.
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"We thank you all, your mother, Angela, Pieruccio, and your Grandfather who always watches the show.
Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice broke down in tears when he was reunited with father"You have given us moments of great joy and when you won Strictly Come Dancing it was exceptional, you were great! I am proud of you, my son."
Speaking to the camera with tears in his eyes, Giovanni said: "Dad is very proud of me.
"He said that he is grateful for what I have done for him, for the family. The fact that after all this time I am able to help my family.
"To make my family happy is the most beautiful thing that a boy, a man now can ask. My dad is not a person that gives away his feelings.
"What he just said to me means more than anything in the world, so I am very very happy, it is one of the most beautiful and happy days of my life."
The dancer's dad told his son how proud he was of himJudge Anton also got emotional when his wife and two children flew over to join the party.
He exclaimed: "I just... I am so delighted because I was able to have my family and his family together. Magic."
Anton spoke to Giovanni about living the single life during the show as the Italian admitted he often feels lonely without a relationship.
"One day I will cook for my family," he insisted as he cooked up a storm next to a volcano.
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Anton Du Beke also got emotionalAnton replied: "Once you get a family, you will be doing it all the time."
Gio confessed: "It does get lonely sometimes, it's a tricky thing between - there's a line, a fine line, between: 'I want to be in a relationship and be with somebody because you get lonely'.
"But at the same time, you want to be free to be able to focus on your career. And also, this industry, quite tricky, as you know, because you always have to be focused."