OHMYGOSSIP — Jess Wright is dating Giovanni Pernice.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional has finally confirmed he’s romancing the former ‘The Only Way is Essex’ star after he posted a photograph on his social networking sites on Valentine’s Day (14.02.18) of the pair canoodling in a restaurant.
Alongside the picture of him planting a kiss on Jess’ mouth, Giovanni – who is Italian – wrote: “Buon San Valentino,” followed by a heart emoji and her Instagram handle.
Jess, 32, then replied with a simple heart emoji.
The couple reportedly met through the brunette beauty’s brother Mark Wright – who took part in the ballroom and latin show in 2014 – and set tongues wagging last year when they were spotted watching the West End production ‘Dream Girls’ together.
A source said at the time: “Giovanni was in the stalls bar and he bought two drinks, then Jess arrived. She was wearing all black, but it wasn’t like she was hiding or anything. Giovanni was taking pictures with fans, but no-one seemed to notice Jess. She was really glammed up. It was obvious to everyone it was a date. They were talking really closely, leaning into each other. Their body language looked like they’d known each other for a while. They finished their drinks and went into the show and sat just behind me. They must have stepped out early as I didn’t see them at the end.”
Giovanni’s love life has been the hot topic of conversation as he was rumoured to be growing close to his dance partner Debbie McGee while doing ‘Strictly…’ last year.
The 59-year-old magician assistant – who was married to Paul Daniels – said: “There’s a magic that is happening. The other dancers take the mickey out of us. He really cares, he doesn’t just care about me, he cares about everybody. He makes everyone feel special and that what’s Paul used to do, and that’s what I love about him.”