Giovanni Pernice celebrated his first ever Strictly win by cuddling up the glitterball trophy in bed last night.
After his emotional win with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, the star shared a video of him topless in bed next to the trophy, while the song A Thousand Years played.
He can be seen in the video staring longingly at the trophy, while the song’s lyrics can be heard saying, “I have died everyday, waiting for you, darling, don’t be afraid.”
He and celebrity dance partner Rose won after competing in the finale against John Whaite and Johannes Radebe.
It was the first time that the Strictly finale had two competing couples instead of the usual three, following AJ Ododu’s decision to pull out due to an injury.
It has taken Giovanni seven years to win the coveted trophy, with the professional dancer praising celebrity partner Rose after their win, saying on the show: “Incredible. I have to say, thank you to this beautiful, young lady that made all my dreams come true.
“It took me seven years to get that thing! You became the best dancer, the best teammate I could have asked for.
“You are a dream Rose, so thank you for everything.”
(Image: PA)
Rose also thanked Giovanni, saying: “I just want to say you are so amazing. You pushed me to believe in myself. You are an incredible teacher, but not just that, you are a wonderful friend.
“We’ve gone through a lot, and no matter how busy we get, you’ve always got a piece of my heart, you really do.”
The clip that Giovanni shared on social media also included captions of the lyrics, to make the video accessible to a wider audience.
(Image: PA)
His Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis’ was the first deaf contestant to not only take part in the show, but also win, and they have used their performances to increase awareness of her condition.
One performance left viewers and the judging panel in tears, with the routine including 10 seconds of silence to highlight what life is like for Rose and other deaf people.
Judge Anton Du Beke also praised the routine, which Rose and Giovanni performed again in last night’s Strictly Come Dancing final, saying it was one of the best performances to have ever appeared on the show since it started in 2004.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
