For nearly a decade, Giovanni Pernice was one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most talked-about professionals — not just for his passionate choreography, but for the intense relationships that often followed him off the dance floor.
Since joining the BBC competition in 2015, the Italian dancer’s partnerships have repeatedly blurred the line between professional chemistry and real-life romance. From confirmed love stories to alleged fallouts, Giovanni’s Strictly journey has been anything but quiet.
Here’s a closer look at the relationships that shaped — and sometimes complicated — his time on the show.
💃 Georgia May Foote (2015): When Dance Turned Into Love
Giovanni made his Strictly debut in 2015 alongside Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote, and sparks were evident almost immediately.
The pair danced their way to the final, finishing as runners-up, but it was what happened off-screen that truly captured public attention. At the time, Georgia was in a relationship with her Corrie co-star Sean Ward, but the couple split in December 2015.
Soon after, Georgia and Giovanni were photographed kissing during a New Year trip to Disneyland Paris, confirming what fans had long suspected.
Speaking openly about their romance in 2016, Georgia said:
“Gio is everything to me. We fell in love as friends before anything happened.”
Despite the strong start, the relationship ended later that same year. In a joint statement, Georgia explained:
“Sometimes you realise it’s better to be friends — and this is one of those times.”
💫 Debbie McGee (2017): Chemistry Without Romance
In 2017, Giovanni was paired with Debbie McGee, the widow of magician Paul Daniels. Their partnership was filled with elegance, warmth, and mutual respect — but unlike other pairings, it never crossed into romance.
The duo reached the Strictly final, with Giovanni frequently praising Debbie’s discipline and grace. Their bond proved that intense chemistry doesn’t always mean a love story — sometimes it’s simply great teamwork.
🔥 Maura Higgins (2020): Rumours and Raised Eyebrows
Giovanni’s partnership with Love Island star Maura Higgins was short-lived but highly scrutinised. Although neither ever confirmed a romance, fans and tabloids speculated heavily about their closeness during rehearsals.
Both parties dismissed rumours, insisting their relationship was purely professional — but the speculation once again showed how closely Giovanni’s personal life was tied to his Strictly partnerships.
❤️ Rose Ayling-Ellis (2021): A Historic, Respectful Bond
Perhaps Giovanni’s most celebrated partnership came in 2021 with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis. Their win made Strictly history, marking the show’s first victory for a deaf contestant.
Although fans admired their closeness, both were clear that their relationship was built on trust, respect, and friendship, not romance. Giovanni later described Rose as someone who “changed his life,” professionally and personally.
⚠️ Amanda Abbington (2023): The Most Controversial Chapter
Giovanni’s final Strictly partnership with Amanda Abbington became the most controversial of his career.
Amanda withdrew from the competition citing medical reasons, later making allegations of bullying during rehearsals. Giovanni denied wrongdoing, stating his teaching style was demanding but professional.
A BBC investigation later concluded that while some behaviour was “inappropriate,” not all claims were upheld. The fallout led to Giovanni stepping away from the show after almost nine years, marking a dramatic end to his Strictly era.
💕 Life Beyond Strictly: Bianca Guaccero
After leaving the UK spotlight, Giovanni returned to Italy, where he found both professional redemption and personal happiness. Competing on Ballando con le Stelle, he won the show alongside actress Bianca Guaccero — who later became his girlfriend.
Their relationship has been widely celebrated by fans, seen as a fresh chapter after years of public scrutiny.
A Ballroom Life Lived in the Spotlight
Giovanni Pernice’s love life has unfolded largely in the public eye — shaped by intense partnerships, emotional pressure, and constant speculation. Some relationships blossomed into romance, others ended quietly, and a few sparked controversy that ultimately changed the course of his career.
Love him or question him, one thing is undeniable: Giovanni’s Strictly journey was never just about dance — it was about connection, emotion, and the risks that come with living in the spotlight.
And even after leaving the ballroom, his story is far from over.
