Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Giovanni Pernice says he wants a same-sex partner on next series of Strictly

The dancer would like to follow in Katya Jones' footsteps

giovanni pernice
Eve Crosbie
TV & Film Writer
Share this:

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has voiced his interest in becoming part of the show's first-ever all-male couple when the BBC dance competition returns later this year. 

MORE: Strictly Come Dancing confirms more sad news after Zoe Ball exit

Speaking on The One Show on Tuesday evening, the 30-year-old dancer, who has been part of the series since 2015, said that he would like to follow in Katya Jones' footsteps and have a same-sex dance partner.

And he even suggested his former celebrity partner Ranvir Singh's Good Morning Britain co-star Piers Morgan as the man he would like to see join him on the dancefloor.

WATCH: Giovanni danced with GMB's Ranvir Singh in 2020

"I think it's about time. It's 2021 and things are changing now," he told hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas. "I think Strictly is ready to do it. Last year we did something similar with Katya and Nicola and I think they did a fantastic job.

"Now we are ready to do a male same-sex couple, I would be definitely up for it. 150,000%," he said. When asked who he would like to dance with, he jokingly suggested Piers would be perfect since his schedule has freed up.

MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's 2021 professional dancers confirmed

MORE: Strictly's Aljaz Skorjanec opens up about his ongoing health struggle

In last year's competition, Russian-born dancer Katya made Strictly history when she was partnered with Olympian Nicola Adams. Sadly, the duo were forced to drop out in week four of the competition after Katya tested positive for coronavirus. They were able to return to perform in a group number once Katya recovered but were not allowed to re-enter as contestants.

strictly same sex

Katya Jones made history in 2020 when she became part of the first same-sex Strictly couple

Meanwhile, Anton Du Beke who joined Giovanni on The One Show, confirmed that he will be returning to the dancefloor for the 2021 competition, telling Alex: "I will definitely be dancing." Last year, he temporarily took up a seat on the judging panel to fill in for Motsi Mabuse while she self-isolated following a coronavirus scare.

MORE: Who will replace Zoe Ball on Strictly's It Takes Two?

Their comments come after a number of shock exits in the Strictly world. Last week, many fans were saddened to hear that Zoe Ball has decided to wave goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing sister show It Takes Two.  The Radio DJ and broadcaster said that she was "waltzing" away from the show to try "new challenges". 

Following Zoe's announcement, her co-host, former pro dancer Ian Waite also revealed that he will depart the show. It's not been announced yet who will replace them for the 2021 series.

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

More TV and Film

See more