Giovanni Pernice has a close bond with one of this year’s pros, and he showed that off as he gave her a sweet kiss
Strictlystar Giovanni Pernice has a close bond with all of his co-stars, but there’s one he’s particularly close with, and he showed this with a sweet kiss.
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In a video shared on her Instagram Stories new pro Lauren Oakley joked: “@giovannipernice is still following me around,” as Giovanni appeared behind her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. The Italian national cheekily then reshared the clip on his own Stories where he added a string of heart emojis. The pair aren’t an item, but have a close bond as they have previously worked together on separate tours.
WATCH: Giovanni Pernice and Lauren Oakley dance together ahead of Strictly rehearsals
Lauren is one of the new faces joining Strictly for its 20th series and Giovanni was quick to give her a welcome to remember.
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Taking to his Instagram Stories following the announcement, Giovanni shared a sweet throwback picture of himself planting a kiss on Lauren’s cheek – and remarked: “Nobody deserves it more than you @laurenmayoakley [heart emoji]… go on super [star].”
Moments later, the 31-year-old uploaded a backstage video of Lauren dressing up in his clothes. “My leading lady and now @bbcstrictly professional… THAT’s @laurenmayoakley everyone.”
Giovanni and Lauren already have a close bond
Birmingham-born Lauren started dancing at just two years old and went on to win the Juvenile Champion across both Ballroom and Latin. She went on to become Under 21 British National Champion before going on tour.
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Speaking about Strictly, she said: “I’ve grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most.
“Now that it’s happening, it doesn’t quite seem real. I can’t wait to start this new sequined adventure and join this incredible family.”
Lauren is one of the new faces this year
The professional dancer later added on Instagram: “Dreams do come true. Beyond grateful and so excited to be joining @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer this year! Somebody pinch me.”
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The other new faces are 11-time Italian Latin American Champion Vito Coppola, Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas and Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu.
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The Strictly Come Dancing couple are spending Christmas apart, with Dianne Buswell in Australia and Joe Sugg in England
Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell might be thousands of miles apart this Christmas, but they are still very much on each other’s minds.
Whilst the Strictly Come Dancing pro partner has been gushing about reuniting with her parents, her brothers and her nieces, and hitting the beach, Joe has returned to Somerset to spend time with friends and family.
The 31-year-old has been documenting his “wonderful trip to the shire” and couldn’t help but send girlfriend Dianne a hidden message.
VIDEO: Dianne comments on having children with boyfriend Joe
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Whilst gushing about his stay “at the amazing Court Farm”, a lovingly restored 16th Century farmhouse in Somerset, Joe sent Dianne a décor hint, revealing: “I kinda want our house to look like this!“
Joe has travelled to Somerset to see family and friends
The gorgeous bedroom, as shown in a photo posted on his Instagram Stories, boasts a superking bed under a vintage chandelier, with an authentic barn door which opens onto a bathroom with both a huge walk-in shower and contemporary roll top bath.
Joe also praised the log burner, keeping him warm during his stay. “You cannot beat a good log burner this time of year,” he wrote.
The couple fell in love whilst taking part on Strictly Come Dancing
The theme would no doubt work well in Joe and Dianne’s country home in Sussex. The couple met on Strictly in 2018 and swapped their London flat for their first home together complete with a beautiful garden boasting uninterrupted country views.
Joe went on to reveal to his followers that he was visiting Lacock, a village in the county of Wiltshire.
“Forever grateful for this beautiful village where I grew up,” he said.
He then visited The Lacock Bakery and showed its gorgeous window display, which featured a copy of his book, Grow: How Nature Can Restore Balance in a Busy World.
“I used to go to this bakery as a toddler in my pushchair and now look! I left a special message in this book,” he remarked.
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World News Tonight anchor David Muir has fans wondering if he’s found love
ABC star David Muir has long kept fans guessing about his personal life, refusing to share details online or across social media sites like many of his colleagues. But fans do know that David is still on the market and he’s not married, although it remains unclear if he is even dating.
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In fact, as the video below explains, despite being connected to several other high profile TV personalities, there’s only one certain someone who does take up David’s time…
Despite numerous reports of romance for the World News Tonight anchor, David has always refused to publicly address his love life, but has been vocal about a number of leading ladies who he holds dear to his heart.
Kelly Ripa is one of those special people, so much so that the Live with Kelly and Ryan star paid a heartfelt tribute to David in her book, Live Wire.
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An extract from the book – which is released on 27 September – was posted on Kelly’s Instagram Stories over the weekend, and the message is included on a page of acknowledgements.
It read: “To David Muir, you are the backbone and moral compass I need sometimes.”
Kelly and David have been close friends for years
His fellow ABC star, Amy Robach, is also a firm favorite of David’s and they have been known to spend time together both on and off-screen.
His sister, Rebecca, is close with David and he calls his many nieces and nephews his “squad,” and says he’s incredibly proud of all of them.
At home, it’s his beloved gun dog, Axel, who has his heart, as he regularly shares adorable photos with the pup, who he is clearly besotted with.
That’s not to say he hasn’t had his fair share of marriage proposals though! Not a day goes by when he isn’t flooded with compliments from his adoring fans on social media.
But alas, the dedicated journalist is practically married to his job, leaving little time for love!
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Today star Al Roker shared some sad news with fans on Thursday as he mourned the death of legendary producer Thom Bell
Al Roker shared some sad news with fans on Thursday as he paid an emotional tribute to an influential figure in his life.
The Today star – who made a shock departure announcement this week – took to Instagram to pay his respects to legendary Jamaican-born Philadelphian producer, arranger, and songwriter Thom Bell, who sadly died aged 79, although his cause of death has not been disclosed.
WATCH: Al Roker’s health battle revealed
Sharing a photo of Thom, Al wrote: “Legendary Philadelphia producer Thom Bell passing away at 79. His music was the soundtrack of my life.
“From The Spinners, The O’Jays, The Delfonics, The Stylistics to Elton John, he was part of that distinctive Sound Of Philadelphia. Thank you for your gift.”
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Many of Al’s followers were saddened by the news and left crying-face and praying hand emojis in the comments as well as paying their own emotional tributes to the late music star.
Al paid tribute to Thom Bell
“Such a tremendous loss of an amazing talent that was able to capture and create a sound like no other,” replied one. A second wrote: “Rest in Peace. Love the music you shared with us. Prayers for his family.”
A third shared their condolences while also wishing Al a speedy recovery, writing: “Sad news – wonderful legacy. I hope you are continuing to feel better and stronger. @todayshow is not the same without you.”
It’s been a particularly hard time for Al over the past few weeks, as not only has he been recovering after having blood clots on his lungs, but he also faced the devastating news that his sister Patricia had passed away shortly after he was discharged from hospital.
Al is recovering at home with his family
The TV star, who has been a part of Today for over 25 years, was admitted to the hospital shortly after Thanksgiving due to blood clots and remained hospitalized for over two weeks.
Al, who has taken an absence from the show ever since, gave an update to viewers from home last week. “It has been a tough slog. I’m not going to lie. It has been the hardest one yet and I’ve had my share of surgeries.
He continued: “I have a lot of things and people to be thankful for. It gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks.”
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