Giovanni Pernice received an outpouring of support earlier this week when he revealed that he had injured his ankle and would be unable to dance for several weeks.
That hasn't stopped him from returning to the stage, however, and at the weekend he and his Strictly co-star and close friend Anton du Beke continued their successful Me & Him tour, with Giovanni sitting out the dance numbers.
The former dance show champion, who lifted the glitterball trophy alongside EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021, took to his Instagram Stories, where he shared a photo of himself and Anton on stage at Birmingham's Symphony Hall, with a huge crowd behind them.
© InstagramThe star added a gif of himself bowing to the camera alongside the words "Thank yoooou". The professional dancer devastated his followers on Wednesday when he shared the details of his unfortunate injury.
© Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock"As you probably know I’m on tour at the moment with Anton, and doing one of the dances I did twist my ankle on stage," he said in a video shared to social media.
He went on: "I have just been to the doctor, to the physio, and he advised me to rest for a few weeks, which means I’m not going to be able to dance at the weekend.”
© BBCReassuring his live audience, he said: "I will still be there to entertain you with my other half Anton Du Beke. We will be singing along but unfortunately Anton will do the dancing bit.
© BBC"This also means that I am going to miss a few of the Strictly professional group numbers, but I just need to give some rest to my ankle and come back stronger than ever for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing - which I’m really looking forward to."
© BBCThe star's fans were quick to show their support and send their well-wishes, with one commenting: "Look after yourself Giovanni, your health has to come first".
© GettyOthers added: "Sorry to hear this Giovanni, but rest that ankle, that's the most important thing," and: "Get some TLC and some well-deserved rest. That's the best medicine. Good luck Giovanni."
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The pro dancer has been enjoying performing alongside Anton and recently delighted fans when he marked his friend's 57th birthday with a sweet series of videos, including one where he jokingly referred to the Strictly judge as his "sweetheart".
© BBCAs the pair enjoyed a small spa break, Anton prepared to head to the pool when Giovanni started the joke with him. Anton reciprocated, calling the hunk his "darling" as he sauntered off.
© InstagramOther clips taken during the day showed the pair in a hotel following a shopping trip, with another one showing Anton enjoying a celebratory sparkling water with lime cordial, while Giovanni opted for a still water.
© GettyAnton looked incredibly stylish for his big day, wearing a turquoise jacket and a pair of shorts, and while Giovanni didn't give a glimpse at his full outfit, he could be seen in sunglasses, a black T-shirt and matching leather jacket.
