Giovanni Pernice reveals what girlfriend Maura Higgins thinks of Strictly 'curse' – and his dream royal dance partner

Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancer Giovanni Pernice reportedly told friends that his girlfriend and former Love Island star Maura Higgins is "the one", and they believe a proposal is imminent. The 31 year old Sicilian star, who is paired up with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis on the BBC show this year, has reportedly told those close to him his deep feelings for the Irish beauty, 30, and has also been left "love-struck".

Maura Higgins has proved she has nothing to worry about when it comes to the Strictly Come Dancing curse as she shared a romantic note her boyfriend Giovanni Pernice left her.The 30 year old, who recently revealed the nicknames they have for each other, took to her Instagram stories to post a black and white snap of the message.

Maura Higgins "isn't bothered" by doubts over her and Giovanni Pernice's relationship as he's partnered with Rose Ayling-Ellis on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.The Love Island favourite, 30, hasn't been paying attention to growing doubts from her friends that the Strictly "curse" will have some affect on her blossoming relationship with the Strictly pro, 31.

Maura Higgins has shared a heartfelt message of support for her boyfriend Giovanni Pernice ahead of tonight’s first dance on Strictly Come Dancing, which sees the Sicilian professional dancer paired up with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis this year.The 30 year old former Love Island star met and started seeing Giovanni, 31, this year, and the pair have been posting loved-up pictures and images together on their social media since they went official in the summer.

Maura Higgins clearly isn’t paying any heed to the so-called Strictly Curse that has ended so many relationships over the years and has wished boyfriend Giovanni good luck ahead of the first live show.

The Glitterball trophy has been dusted down, the dance floor polished, the sequins stitched on and the fake tans applied as the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing starts properly with the first dances by this year’s hopefuls. And the class of 2021 is a pretty mixed bag, with the likes of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, McFly singer Tom Fletcher and Loose Women panellist Judi Love among those putting their best foot forward.

Strictly Come Dancing will reveal the dancers and their celebrity partners.  And just hours ahead of Saturday's premiere, pro dancer Giovanni Pernice shared a video of his celebrity partner's bruised and battered feet after a gruelling rehearsal.

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice and his girlfriend enjoyed a bowling date night and revealed the sweet nicknames they have for each other. Fans were able to get a glimpse of the score board on their social media which revealed their nicknames for one another.

As the new series of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, the celebrities and professional dancers are raring to get started with practising their routines. Giovanni Pernice will be returning to dance on the show this year, and while Maura Higgins is supportive of her boyfriend, the Love Island star's friends have warned her that her relationship could be at risk.

Katie McGlynn has reassured Maura Higgins that she needn't worry about rekindling her romance with her boyfriend, Giovanni Pernice.The former Coronation Street star was announced as part of the line-up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing last month, but speculation quickly arose that she would be partnered with Giovanni - causing Maura to worry.