Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice reunites with his father after 10 years apart

Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice breaks down in tears as he is reunited with his father after 10 years apart on his journey home to Sicily

Giovanni Pernice burst into tears as he reunited with his father for the first time in 10 years in Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily.

The Strictly Come Dancing stars team up for their very own show exploring Giovanni’s native Sicily.

The professional dancer got emotional when he saw his dad, after being unable to spend a birthday with him due to his busy life and career in the UK.

Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won Strictly with Giovanni, also joined them on the journey, where they celebrated Giovanni’s 32nd birthday with those closest to him.

Giovanni pulled his father away from the party and told him, “Thank you so much for organizing this surprise, it’s great to spend it together after 10 years!”

Family: Giovanni Pernice burst into tears as he reunited with his father for the first time in 10 years on Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily

Reunion: The professional dancer got emotional when he saw his dad, after being unable to spend a birthday with him due to his busy life and career in the UK

Reunion: The professional dancer got emotional when he saw his dad, after being unable to spend a birthday with him due to his busy life and career in the UK

His dad gushed about how proud he is of his son when he replied, “You deserve this and so much more.” You have given up immense joy.

“We thank you all, your mother, Angela, Pieruccio and your grandfather who always watches the show.

‘You gave us moments of great joy and when you won Strictly Come Dancing it was exceptional, you were amazing! I’m proud of you, my son.’

The couple hugged and got emotional as they celebrated their family reunion.

Giovanni said to the camera about the moment, “Dad is very proud of me.

“He said he’s thankful for what I’ve done for him, for the family. The fact that after all this time I can help my family.

‘Making my family happy is the best thing a boy, a man can ask for right now. My father is not one to give his feelings away.

Wiping away tears, he added, “What he just said to me means more than anything in the world, so I’m very, very happy, it’s one of the most beautiful and happiest days of my life.”

Show: Anton and Giovanni team up for their own show exploring Giovanni's native Sicily

Show: Anton and Giovanni team up for their own show exploring Giovanni’s native Sicily

Success: As the series drew to a close, Giovanni reflected on the journey and said,

Success: As the series drew to a close, Giovanni reflected on the journey and said, “This has been one of the most beautiful and enjoyable experiences of my life”

Giovanni also surprised Anton on the trip when he flew his wife Hannah Summers and their two children to Italy.

Anton said, “I… I am so elated because I was able to have my family and his family together. Magic.’

As the series drew to a close, Giovanni reflected on the journey and said, “This has been one of the most beautiful and enjoyable experiences of my life.”

Anton said, “Thank you. Thank you for showing me your beautiful country, your hometown and your family that I love. We’ve had some fun! I enjoyed every second.’

Giovanni then joked, “You loved it!” Now I don’t want to see you for the next six months.”