During his journey to his birthplace with fellow Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke, Giovanni Pernice had a lovely, heartfelt reconnection with his father.
The former Strictly champion was treated to a surprise birthday celebration accompanied by his family and loved ones in the concluding episode of the dancers’ BBC series Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily.
Giovanni and his father stepped to one side to share a one-on-one conversation after celebrating his 32nd birthday in September last year, during which the artist thanked his father for organising 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 immense joy.
‘You have given us moments of great joy, and when you won Strictly Come Dancing, it was exceptional. You were great. I am proud of you, my son.’
As Giovanni nestled into his father, the father and son hugged securely, gripping each other at the back of their necks.
He was clearly emotional as he explained to the camera that his father isn’t one to often speak up about his feelings.
‘Dad is very proud of me. He said that he’s grateful for what I’ve done for him, for the family,’ he said.
The Strictly pro continued: ‘The fact that after all this time I’m able to help my family, I’m able to make my family happy, is the most beautiful thing that a boy, a man now, can ask.’
After wiping away a tear, he added: ‘My dad is not a person that really gives away 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 most beautiful days and happy days of my entire life.’
Giovanni was able to present his erstwhile companion Rose Ayling-Ellis to his parents, having raised the Glitterball Trophy with her in 2021, in addition to celebrating his birthday with his family.
Giovanni’s father confessed that he anticipated they would win after their first routine, and his mother and Rose had a connecting moment due to their shared first name.
Several viewers felt incredibly moved by the moment he shared with his dad, with one tweeting: ‘What a genuinely lovely show and Giovanni and his dad ❤️.’
‘Have really enjoyed watching @TheAntonDuBeke and @pernicegiovann1 together in Adventures in Sicily – true friendship, having fun, laughing, spending time together, it’s been a joy to watch ❤️ (even if I did cry at the end listening to Giovanni’s dad 🥰),’ another wrote.
Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Source My Celebrity Life.