Strictly star was 'set upon and blinded by noxious substance' in shock attack
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice was reportedly left “absolutely terrified” in 2019 after he was allegedly attacked by muggers. The professional dancer, who appeared on the show between 2015 and 2023, was reportedly attacked by muggers who sprayed him with a noxious substance.
According to The Sun, Giovanni, now 34, initially worried that it was an acid attack as the substance, which he reportedly later believed to be pepper spray, burned his eyes. The publication alleged that the TV personality was out in Essex with friends when the attackers grabbed his watch and rucksack and that they sprayed him with the substance, which temporarily “blinded” him.
“His first thought was that it was an acid attack — because of the burning in his eyes,” a source told the publication. “He has been left absolutely terrified by the attack. It has hugely knocked his confidence.”
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The Sun also reported that Giovanni was treated at the scene by paramedics and that he wasn’t believed to have suffered any long-term physical damage as a result of the incident. At the time, the publication added that police were investigating the incident.
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While viewers might not have seen the Italian pro dancer on their screens during the most recent series of Strictly, Giovanni hasn’t put away his dancing shoes. Rather than appearing on the UK version of Strictly Come Dancing, he is currently starring on the Italian version called Ballando con le Stelle where he is partnered up with actress Bianca Guaccero.
Since appearing on the show, Giovanni has kept fans updated and has thanked them for their support by voting for him and Bianca each week. In a recent video, he shared a clip of their quickstep, calling the feedback they received “unreal”.
“If the legend @carolynsmith5 says “this is what a quickstep should looking like !!” It means we are doing a great job !! @bianceguacceroreal unreal thank you all so much for your votes and support !! Into the next,” he wrote.
He also recently wowed fans after sharing his latest career announcement, revealing that he’s set to head across the UK early next year as part of his Giovanni The Last Dance tour - which will kick off in Hayes in January.
Sharing the exciting news on Instagram, Giovanni posted a picture of the tour poster as well as another snap of the complete list of dates. “I’m back baby !! Book now if you haven’t yet www.giovannipernice.com,” he wrote.
