Strictly's Giovanni Pernice updates fans on fitness ahead of new series
He's been recovering from a nasty injury
Last updated 4th Sep 2023
He's been a fan favourite since he joined the show as a professional dancer back in 2015, so Strictly Come Dancing fans were gutted back in July when Giovanni Pernice revealed he may be forced to miss certain routines after injuring his ankle.
Back in July, Giovanni took to his Instagram page to reveal the news he's twisted his ankle, forcing him to pull out of the final shows of his tour alongside Anton Du Beke, and also a number of group routines for this year's Strictly.
However, with the new series now just weeks away, it sounds like Giovanni is back to full fitness, revealing the good news during an Instagram Q&A.
When a fan asked: 'Are you doing Strictly again this year? Heard someone say you are injured?', he replied: 'I was yes… But I'm back and fully recovered… Can't wait!!'
In July, Giovanni uploaded a video to reveal he'd injured his ankle. He said: "As you probably know I’m on tour at the moment with Anton and doing one of the dances I did twist my ankle on stage.
"I have just been to the doctor, to the physio, and he advised me to rest for a few weeks, which means I’m not going to be able to dance at the weekend.
"I know a few people are coming. I will still be there to entertain you with my other half Anton Du Beke. We will be singing along but unfortunately Anton will do the dancing bit."
The 32-year-old then added: "This also means that I am going to miss a few of the Strictly professional group numbers, but I just need to give some rest to my ankle and come back stronger than ever for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing - which I’m really looking forward to.
"Sending lots of love to everyone out there and stay strong.”
Fans were quick to comment on Gio's post to send their well wishes. One wrote: 'Long term healing is the most important, rest up and come back stronger ❤️'. (sic)
Another added: 'Rest up Gio your health comes before anything and I’m sure I speak for millions when I say we can’t wait to see you back on Strictly 💕', with a third writing: 'Always best to do what the doctor orders! Take care and hope you heal quickly. ❤️'. (sic)
Check out all of the professionals on this year's Strictly Come Dancing:
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2024 she won the show with comedian Chris McCausland.
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.
Amy Dowden
Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, Amy returned to the show in 2024.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2024 he was paired with Dr Punam Krishan.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Paul Merson.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with Wynne Evans in 2024.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Gladiator Montell Douglas in 2024.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai wasn't paired with anybody.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Pete Wicks in 2024.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos didn't have a celeb partner.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams, and was paired with Sam Quek in 2024.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Shayne Ward in 2024. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott, actress and comedian Nina Wadia, and Toyah Willcox in 2024.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series. Lauren stepped in for injured dancer Amy Dowden last year, working with JB Gill.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2024 she was paired with Nick Knowles.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2024 she was paired with Tom Dean.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022 and was given her first celeb partner in Jamie Borthwick in 2024.
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he would be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series, making it all the way to the final with Tasha Ghouri.
Alexis Warr
American dancer Alexis Warr has joined the series for 2025. She said: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."
Julian Caillon
Australian dancer Julian Caillon has joined the series for 2025. He said: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! "
Although this year's pairings are yet to be revealed, training with this year's celebs has officially started, with the likes of Angela Rippon, Les Dennis, Adam Thomas, Zara McDermott, and Layton Williams learning their routines.
According to the Daily Mirror, the 2023 series of Strictly will begin on Saturday 23rd September, running for a huge 13 weeks until Saturday 16th December.
Strictly Come Dancing is due to return in September.
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