Giovanni Pernice's devastating health update as Rose Ayling-Ellis offers support

28 July 2023 , 19:10

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Giovanni Pernice's devastating health update as Rose Ayling-Ellis offers support

Rose Ayling-Ellis has shared a sweet message for her Strictly Come Dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, following his recent disappointing health news. The Italian performer has been instructed not to participate in the dance numbers of his ongoing live tour with Anton Du Beke, Him & Me after twisting his ankle on stage.

Giovanni took to Instagram on Wednesday to explain the situation to his 1m followers: I've just been to the doctor, to the physio, and he advised to rest for a few weeks," the 32-year old revealed. His physician's orders mean that he "is not going to be able to dance" at his upcoming show on Saturday night in Birmingham. He promised that he will still "entertain" all those coming to see him, however, adding that he will be "singing along" while Anton does the "dancing bit."

Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won Strictly Come Dancing 2022 with Giovanni as her partner, was quick to send her good wishes to her injured friend: "Get well soon," the EastEnders star wrote.

Giovanni took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the worrying update

Giovanni revealed he has been told to rest by doctors

Her positive remark was echoed by Giovanni's followers, many of whom also took to the comment section to offer their kind words. "Rest up Gio," one person said. "Your health comes before anything and I’m sure I speak for millions when I say we can’t wait to see you back on Strictly." "Get well soon. Rest up and ensure you come back when you are fit to dance so it’s not a permanent niggle!" another concerned fan wrote.

Giovanni and Anton, 57, have been joined on their nationwide tour by "a world class cast of dancers and singers", with tap dance performances from Strictly Come Dancing choreographers Alan Burkitt and Sarah-Faith Brown and vocals from musical theatre star Michelle Andrews. The glitzy shows have been met by widespread praise, with many critics hailing Giovanni and Anton's chemistry on stage and their versatile mastery of everything from Jive and Paso Doble to Tango, Contemporary and Charleston.

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Giovanni won the show with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021 (PA)

This isn't the first time that the ballroom dancer's talented legs have come under threat. In December 2021, Giovanni's foot was caught in a closing door just two days before the Strictly Come Dancing 2021 final. The frightening moment, which was caught on camera, occurred when the Italian dancer was arriving to film It Takes Two with Rose Ayling-Ellis in London.

Giovanni used his foot to keep a closing door ajar, telling the man who had just entered the building to "Keep it, keep it, keep it," so that it wouldn't lock behind him. The man in question appeared not to listen, however, giving the Strictly star just seconds to save his foot from being crushed.

"That's my foot!" he exclaimed, before turning to Rose to explain what had happened. A spokesperson for Giovanni later MailOnline that the star was "100% OK."

Emma Dooney