Giovanni Pernice had a beautiful, emotional reunion with his father during his trip to his hometown with fellow Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke.
In the latest episode of the dancers’ BBC series Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily, the former Strictly winner was treated to a surprise birthday party attended by his family and loved ones.
After celebrating his 32nd birthday last September, Giovanni and his father stood by for a face-to-face chat, during which the artist thanked his father for organizing the surprise.
“It’s great to spend it together after 10 years!” he remarked.
In response, the dancer’s father showered him with love and appreciation, telling his son: “You deserve this and much, much more. You have given us great pleasure.
“You brought us moments of great joy and when you won Strictly Come Dancing it was extraordinary. You were great. I’m proud of you, my son.”
The father and son hugged tightly and held each other by the back of the head as Giovanni snuggled against his father.
Speaking to the camera, he was visibly emotional as he explained that his father is not often open about his feelings.
“Dad is very proud of me. He said he was grateful for what I did for him, for the family,” he said.
The Strictly Pro continued, “The fact that after all this time I can help my family and make my family happy is the biggest thing a boy, now a man, could wish for.”
After wiping away a tear, he added: “My dad is not one to really show his feelings and what he just said to me means more than anything in the world.
“So I’m very, very, very happy. Today is one of the happiest days and happiest days of my entire life.”
As well as being able to celebrate his birthday with his family, Giovanni was also able to introduce his former partner Rose Ayling-Ellis to his parents after winning the Glitterball trophy with her in 2021.
Giovanni’s father admitted he predicted they would win from their first routine, while his mother and Rose shared a moment of bonding because of their shared first name.
Several viewers were incredibly touched by the moment he shared it with his dad, tweeting: “What a very beautiful show and Giovanni and his dad ❤️.”
“I really enjoyed seeing @TheAntonDuBeke and @pernicegiovann1 together in Adventures in Sicily – true friendship, having fun, laughing, spending time together, it was a joy to watch ❤️ (even though I cried at the end when I saw Giovanni listening to dad 🥰 )’ wrote another.
Source: Metro
