Giovanni Pernice has taken fans by surprise as he was seen showing off his body transformation so far, just days after demands were made over a Strictly Come Dancing return.
The professional dancer is currently touring the country with his friend and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke. The show, titled Together Again, sees them perform together across the UK.
It's not the first time the pair have taken to the stage together, having previously headed out on the popular Him and Me tour in 2021 and 2023.
With just a couple of weeks left of the tour, which they recently confirmed will be their last - for now - as they decided not to hit the road next year and take a 'year off', Giovanni took to social media to show off an impressive change to his physical appearance.
Taking to Instagram, the Italian star shared side-by-side pictures taken five weeks apart, with the latest snap showing off his chisled abs. "5 week in.." he simply captioned the post.
His girlfriend, actress Bianca Guaccero, who he met when taking part in the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars last year, which they went on to win, was quick to respond, commenting on the post: "Strength and determination! Good job my love!!!" while friend Gemma Atkinson shared a string of clapping emojis in the comments section.
Fans also rushed to have their say. @debbie.lee01 said: "Well done you - hard work and consistency pays off, and the mindset of a champ." @weestaceystrain commented: "Well done Giovanni hard work pays off. Looking great." @sharon_j_15 wrote: "Absolutely remarkable achievement Giovanni."
But he sparked confusion with his tattoos, with the mirror selfie making them appear different to the other photos he's seemingly taken by propping up his phone.
@robtog1985 asked: "Why are the tattoos reversed." @roscoe.louise replied: "How come your tattoo has moved sides." @sky_walker_4legs posted: "One of the photos is wrong! Tattoos have changed sides and trousers buttoned different sides too." @kissingwolf7 added: "Magic your tattoos have changed sides."
It comes after show judge Shirley Ballas sparked a demand among fans to bring Giovanni back onto the show. The 'Queen of Latin' is excitedly counting down to her return to the ballroom as it was confirmed she'll be back alongside Anton, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.
Taking to Instagram, she shared a video of her dancing on the hit programme with axed pro Giovanni, who wasn't invited back to take part last year after a BBC investigation, following allegations of inappropriate behavior by his dance partner, Amanda Abbington.
A message across the video read: "'You look happier'. Thanks, I'm back on my favourite show in September." She also wrote in the Instagram caption: "Now we just wait for some new celebrities @bbcstrictly … i’m so excited. Who are you wanting to see in the ballroom this year?"
And she was quickly flooded with the same demand thanks to her choice of clip. @allthingskps_ said: "Give us Giovanni back! He was FAB-U-LOUS. Also, I want to see how well GK Barry would do on the dancefloor."
@kym_with_a_y_not_an_i commented: "For sure, it’s not the same without him, there’s less sparkle & cheekiness." @kimchantal85 wrote: "Giovanni back, last year wasn't the same without him."
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@traceymarie2408 replied: "@giovannipernice would really love to see your gorgeous face back on strictly." @donnakebap posted: "Bring back @giovannipernice he is missed so much." @allison.eley.1 added: "Lovely lady, yes Giovanni back please
