BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice declares love for 'amazing' co-star after girlfriend 'confirmation'

Giovanni Pernice has sweetly gushed over his Strictly Come Dancing co-star a day after appearing to confirm his new relationship. The dancer was marking the birthday of fellow dancer Lauren Oakley.

Giovanni and Lauren are currently touring the country together after the Italian star once again enlisted Birmingham-born Lauren to be his leading lady in his latest show. The 33-year-old started his Let Me Entertain You tour in Hayes at the Beck Theatre before he began travelling up and down the country. The tour will continue until the end of April when it will close at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.

And while it's his own show, on his biggest tour to date, Giovanni's not alone on stage as he's joined by Lauren, who had her first celebrity partner during last year's Strictly after joining the BBC One show in 2022, as well as an ensemble of dancers.

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While on the road, Lauren has faced some difficult times with the tour starting following the loss of her beloved grandmother before the death of fellow dancer Robin Windsor, who she lived with during the latest series of Strictly last year, was announced last week at the tragic age of 44.

But on Wednesday (February 28) it was Lauren's birthday and Giovanni and the other cast members on the tour made sure her special day was recognised. Setting up a little birthday display backstage, the birthday girl could be seen beaming for the camera under a 'Happy Birthday' banner while holding onto some balloons.

Lauren said on Instagram: "A lovely birthday, spent doing my favourite thing (x2) with beautiful