BBC Strictly star Lauren Oakley, 33, has shared her opinions on Giovanni Pernice, 34, after he was axed from the show last year following a bullying row.
Her comments come as Pernice revealed her as his dance partner for several exclusive shows put on by Donahey’s dance school later this year.
Oakley danced with JB Gill to the final of Strictly 2024
BBC
“And to make it even better – I’ll be partnered with the fabulous @laurenmayoakley,” Pernice added alongside a picture of himself and the 33-year-old Strictly dancer.
While not originally paired with a celeb partner for the 2024 series of Strictly, Oakley stood in to replace Amy Dowden as JLS star JB Gill’s pro dancer after the Welsh fan-favourite was forced to back out due to health concerns.
Oakley and Gill ended up dancing their way to the show final after several showstopper performances but ultimately fell short of the seemingly unstoppable champion Chris McCausland.
“Can’t wait,” Oakley wrote in response to Pernice, accompanied by two love heart emojis.
Pernice announced that Oakley will he his dance partner for exclusive shows later this year
Pernice continued in his post: “We can’t wait to hit the dance floor with all of you, whether you’re stepping into your first dance class or already a seasoned dancer.
“It’s always such an incredible experience – we get to dance, teach, and perform for you! Let’s bring the passion, the energy, and of course, the fun,” he concluded.
“I need a break, darling. I’m 35 years old. I’ve been doing this for 10 years,” he admitted to The Mirror, looking ahead to 2025.
The Italian glowed acting is “something I’ve always wanted to do” but conceded he would need to attend English classes to learn the language “properly”.
Pernice also hinted at the idea of taking up signing but said he may also need to take some lessons to improve there too.
Despite his troubles with the BBC, Pernice stormed his way to victory over the Italian adaption of Strictly Come Dancing – lifting the trophy with celeb partner Bianca Guaccero.