Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice admits people don’t recognise him in public

Giovanni Pernice has revealed people don’t recognise him and often get him mixed up with other ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stars.

The 33-year-old dancer, who has been partnered up with the likes of Rose Ayling-Ellis and Ranvir Singh on the BBC programme, admitted fans frequently mistake him for other professionals from the show, while ‘Strictly’ judge Anton Du Beke, 57, is always recognised.

As quoted by the Daily Star newspaper, he said: “Wherever Anton goes, everybody knows.

“They get confused with me. I get called Gorka Gino. They go, ‘Ah, you’re the one with Rachel Riley’. ‘No, that’s Pasha.’”

it was recently revealed that Giovanni has become a millionaire after his earnings tripled in 12 months.

He saw his personal firm, 'GP Entertainment Ltd.' possess assets worth £1,189,327, up from £483,126 the previous year. The business also has got £809,776 in reserves despite Giovanni reportedly only being paid a £35,000 flat fee for appearing on the BBC programme, as well as £50,000 for live show tours.

Revealing his business last year, the dancer said: "My dream come true is finally here! 'VITA' is my new fragrance for men and women - an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily.”

Giovanni also reportedly cashed in from his relationship with 'Strictly' judge Anton Du Beke, with the pair earning a whopping £1 million each after a string of projects together, including TV travelogues and stage tours.

The dancer is also wrapped in a feud with former ‘Strictly’ partner Amanda Abbington, who quit the show in 2023 after claiming spending time with the professional dancing left her suffering with PTSD.

The ‘Sherlock’ actress, who shares two children with her ex-husband Martin Freeman, told The Sun newspaper: “I just want to thank everyone who has been so kind and lovely and supportive this past week. It means a great, great deal.

“I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after ‘Strictly’ for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally."

When asked if he would consider leaving the programme due to the controversy, the dancer insisted the idea of his exit wasn’t on his mind, and told Radio Times: “We love our jobs. It’s one of the best shows on television and we get to do our own shows, too.”