Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice breaks down in tears as he is reunited with his father after 10 years apart during trip home to Sicily
Giovanni Pernice broke down in tears as he was reunited with his father for the first time in 10 years on Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily.
The Strictly Come Dancing stars have teamed up for their own show which sees them explore Giovanni’s native Sicily.
The professional dancer became emotional when he saw his father, after not getting to spend a birthday with him due to his busy life and career in the UK.
Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won Strictly with Giovanni, also joined them on the trip, which saw them celebrate Giovanni’s 32nd birthday with his nearest and dearest.
Pulling his father away from the party, Giovanni told him: ‘Thank you so much for organising this surprise, it’s great to spend it together after 10 years!’
Family: Giovanni Pernice broke down in tears as he was reunited with his father for the first time in 10 years on Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily
Reunion: The professional dancer became emotional when he saw his father, after not getting to spend a birthday with him due to his busy life and career in the UK
His father gushed over how proud he is of his son as he replied: ‘You deserve this and much much more. You have given up immense joy.
‘We thank you all, your mother, Angela, Pieruccio, and your Grandfather who always watches the show.
‘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.’
The pair hugged and became emotional as they celebrated their family reunion.
Speaking to the camera about the moment, Giovanni said: ‘Dad is very proud of me.
‘He said that he is grateful for what I have done for him, for the family. The fact that after all this time I am able to help my family.
‘To make my family happy is the most beautiful thing that a boy, a man now can ask. My dad is not a person that gives away his feelings.
Wiping away tears, he added: ‘What he just said to me means more than anything in the world, so I am very very happy, it is one of the most beautiful and happy days of my life.’
Show: Anton and Giovanni have teamed up for their own show which sees them explore Giovanni’s native Sicily
Success: As the series drew to a close, Giovanni reflected on the trip, saying: ‘This has been one of the most beautiful and fun experiences of my life’
Giovanni also surprised Anton during the trip as he flew his wife Hannah Summers and their two children out to Italy.
Anton said: ‘I just… I am so delighted because I was able to have my family and his family together. Magic.’
As the series drew to a close, Giovanni reflected on the trip, saying: ‘This has been one of the most beautiful and fun experiences of my life.’
Anton said: ‘Thank you. Thank you for showing me your wonderful country, your home town, and your family who I love. We have had some fun! I have loved every second of it.’
Giovanni then jooked: ‘You loved it! Now I don’t want to see you for the next six months.’
