STRICTLY PAIR STRIKING UP A BROMANCE

TWO of Strictly Come Dancing’s favourite performers, Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, are bringing their Him & Me tour to Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre on Saturday, July 9.

Why did the two of you team up for a tour together?

G: I had an idea that I would love to do a tour with my idol. Anton is such a busy man but we managed to do some shows in 2021 and now we get do the most beautiful and fun show touring the country again.

A: I can only agree. I’m so fond of him.

Is there anything new we can expect in this year’s show?

G: We have some beautiful new cast members, we have more set, more lights, more costumes and now we have a Strictly Come Dancing champion in the show too (me)!

A: I knew it wouldn’t be long before that came up.

G: I was in about 104 finals, so I was due to win at some point.

What have you both been doing recently?

G: We have both been working out to give the people what they want! (Anton laughs).

A: You look tremendous by the way!

Giovanni, what was the best advice Anton gave you when you started Strictly Come Dancing?

G: He said to always keep your feet on the ground. Everyone is replaceable, so enjoy, but don’t become a diva!

A: Then he didn’t do it!

G: Well, I didn’t speak English at the time, so I didn’t understand any of it!

Anton, who would you like to see Giovanni dance with on Strictly this year?

A: Luke Evans or Holly Willoughby.

G: I would love to dance with Holly on the show. We would have so much fun and she would do amazing.