GIOVANNI PERNICE

INTERVIEW: DANIEL MAY

GIOVANNI PERNICE IS THE ITALIAN STALLION WHO REGULARLY HAS AUDIENCES DROOLING ON A SATURDAY EVENING AS THEY PINE OVER HIM ON STRICLY, THIS HEARTTHROB IS TAKING HIS “THIS IS ME” SHOW AROUND THE U.K FROM 27TH FEBRUARY, WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM FOR A CHAT...

HI GIOVANNI, THANKS FOR TAKING TIME WITH US, TO KICK THE QUESTIONS OFF I’D LIKE YOU TO TAKE US BACK TO YOUR CHILDHOOD GROWING UP IN THE BEAUTIFUL SICILY, HOW WAS IT FOR YOU AND TELL US OF YOUR FAMILY LIFE...

I grew up in a beautiful family, my dad was a policeman and my mum did a beautiful job of being the best mum. I have one Sister and we grew up in Sicily.

YOU GOT THE DANCING BUG AT AN EARLY AGE, WAS THIS SOMETHING THAT YOUR PARENTS ENCOURAGED/INTRODUCED YOU TO OR WAS IT ALWAYS A PASSION OF YOURS?

I started at 7 years old, I watched a dancing programme on TV and I remember some amazing routines between the boys and the girls. I fell in love with the sequins and sparkles, and ultimately fell in love with the dancing.

BEING A YOUNG BOY AND DANCER CAN BE TOUGH FOR SOME, GETTING BULLIED ETC, WAS THIS THE CASE FOR YOU OR DID YOU GET ATTENTION IN THE OTHER DEPARTMENT IF YOU KNOW WHAT WE MEAN LOL?

It was difficult because of the mentality of others when growing up, but I was determined. Dancing was and is my passion, I decided not to listen to anyone, and followed my dream to become a dancer.

WE READ YOU HOLD GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS FOR A FEW THINGS, HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT?

programme - they hold Guinness World Record competitions and I was lucky to have been asked to take part - I currently hold 2 records, and can’t wait to compete for a third.

APART FROM WHAT WE JUST MENTIONED AND THE FACT OF BEING ON ONE OF THE MOSTWATCHED PROGRAMMES, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

One of my greatest achievements outside of Strictly is I can now speak fluent English. I arrived 4 years ago and understood no English, I couldn’t speak the language. I worked hard and now I can travel the UK with my own show.

GETTING TO DANCE TO VAST AUDIENCES MUST BE A DREAM COME TRUE, WAS THIS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS HAD YOUR SIGHTS SET ON AND ALSO CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF ON TELLY FOR THE LONG HALL, OR WHAT IS YOUR MASTER PLAN?

I was a dancer before and will be after Strictly, being on television is a dream come true and I feel very lucky and blessed.

SO ON TO YOUR SHOW “THIS IS ME”, WE WATCHED YOUR PROMO IT DOESN’T GIVE A WHOLE LOT AWAY, TELL US WHAT PEOPLE CAN EXPECT WHEN THEY COME TO SEE IT?

Everyone will have a great night out, there is lots for the audience to enjoy. Of course it will be filled with lots of dancing and a few surprises as well, maybe some comedy and musical instruments included - you will have to come along to find out!

TOWARDS ADULTS? Definitely will be for the entire family, I would love to inspire a younger generation of dancers, just like how I was inspired when I was growing up watching TV.

WE ARE SURE THERE WILL BE LOADS OF GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND COSTUME CHANGES ETC, DO YOU ENJOY THE WHOLE DRESSING UP ASPECT OF DANCING? AND HAVE YOU A FAVOURITE OUTFIT FOR THE TOUR?

This tour will be different, there are lots of costume changes. I love to dress up, especially after dancing with Michelle Visage this year on Strictly.

WILL THERE BE ANY SURPRISE GUESTS OR FAMILIAR FACES THAT AUDIENCES WILL KNOW?

I have some wonderful dancers joining me on tour and a special guest at London’s Her Majesty Theatre, Michelle Visage. I can’t wait to perform with her again.

THE TOUR KICKS OFF ON THE 27TH FEBRUARY AND THERE ARE 65 DATES PLANNED, WOW, HOW DO YOU PLAN FOR THAT? DO YOU GO TO THE GYM MUCH FOR STAMINA AND TO STAY IN SHAPE?

I try to stay in shape and eat healthily. I go to the gym and get prepared for the demanding tour schedule. Rehearsals are intense and this helps me prepare for the tour. I also have to find time to have some down-time so I am ready and have all my energy for the audience.

WORK NO PLAY?

I don’t drink so no Guinness for me, I try my best to stay focused and deliver a great show.

BEFORE YOU GO LET’S PLAY A QUICK GAME...

WOULD YOU RATHER...

TV OR CINEMA? Cinema CHOCOLATE OR CRISPS? Crisps BOXERS OR BRIEFS? Briefs SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer HANDS OR FEET? Hands TRIMMED OR AU’NATURAL? Au’Natural

SNOG, MARRY, AVOID, LET’S USE 3 PAST/PRESENT JUDGES FROM STRICTLY, DARCY BUSSELL, SHIRLEY BALLAS AND MOTSI MABUSE, AND WE WANT REASONS LOL

I would marry all three of them because they are beautiful and classy ladies!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME WITH US, WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE TOUR AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN BELFAST ON 8TH MARCH.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE TOUR DATES/VENUES VIA WWW.GIOVANNIPERNICE.COM

THREE OF YOUR DATES ARE IN IRELAND/N.IRELAND, WHILE OVER WILL YOU HAVE MUCH FREE TIME TO SEE THE SIGHTS AND ENJOY A GUINNESS ETC OR WILL IT BE ALL

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