Havana time of their lives

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima is preparing to dazzle audiences with new show Havana Nights. The 25-yearold will be joined by his fiancée and fellow Strictly professional and Giada Lini

You have been dancing since the age of six. At what age did you realise dance would become your career?

I realised that dance would be my career when my dad told me to start working with him on a farm, it was a really hard job and I felt it wasn’t for me, so in that moment I decided to start teaching dance and that meant I was able to afford my private lessons, I wanted to do competitions and reach a high Latin level, to make my passion also my dream work.

You proposed to Giada on stage in Watford. Was there a reason you chose this date and location, was the proposal spontaneous or planned?

It was a special day for me… my birthday (May 7) and yes, it was planned in detail. It was really hard to hide everything from Giada as she knows all about me and I tell her everything, so just thinking where to hide the ring was really hard.

What is your favourite thing about touring with Giada?

When a dancer dances, they play different roles, and with Giada it is really easy. When I interpret the role of the romantic man, I always think about her. Now she’s here alongside me – so everything will be much easier!

What can fans expect from the tour. Any surprises for Strictly fans?

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima with (left) his fiancee and dance partner Giada Lini and (above) Strictly colleague Johannes Radebe

There will be a lot of surprises. We are building the show with our friend and Strictly mate Neil Jones. He has such good ideas. Everything will be set in a bar in Havana and the show is a mix of Latin dances and songs – energetic, romantic and funny.

Your 2019 live final dance with Johannes Radebe will go down in history as Strictly’s first same sex partner dance. How did you feel about the reaction this performance provoked?

I was not expecting all those beautiful reactions and I’m so happy because the people really loved it. I felt everything was so natural (also because of my friendship with Johannes). I’m so glad Strictly introduced the same sex dance in the show and we were able to dance together.

Tell us about your other favourite moments from the 2019 series.

Every Saturday night was full of beautiful emotion – in particular when I danced with my favourite singer, Andrea Bocelli. That was a dream. Also, the Strictly Christmas Special dancing with Chizzy. That’s was great fun.

You’ve toured the world as a dancer, do you have a favourite place?

I love so many places but one of my favourites is Brazil. I was there during the Olympic Games and I just loved the country and people so much! And of course, dancing in Blackpool is always special.

Havana Nights is at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, on March 13 and the Lichfield Garrick Theatre on April 5.