Giovanni Pernice looked unrecognisable in a childhood photograph he recently shared on his social media.
The Strictly Come Dancing favourite looked worlds away from his now-sculpted frame in a throwback snap posted to his Instagram on Monday, 29 August.
As if to admire his ripped physique he captioned the image "20 years later" with a wink and tongue emoji.
The star appears to have recreated his younger days which saw him wearing blue shorts with a yellow bum bag. The 31 year old seemed keen to get his facial expression just right as he gazed slightly upward into the camera.
Besides being a hit with viewers on Strictly, he has also swept a few contestants off their feet such as former dance partner Georgia May Foote whom he moved in with just a month after they began dating. They later called thing quits in 2016.
The sweet photos of Giovanni come after the show was reportedly facing a favouritism row as Giovanni's new celebrity dance partner for this year was said to have been “leaked”.
Giovanni, who won last year’s show with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, after Rose was the first deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, is rumoured to be partnering this year with Richie Anderson in a same-sex couple, with rival dancers said to be fearing this could secure the Italian dancer’s place in the final again.
BBC star Richie was announced to be joining the hit show earlier this month and he spoke about competing in a same-sex couple.
The news of Richie appearing on the hit BBC show was announced on Zoe Ball's Breakfast show, where he said: “It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show."
Following speculation of Richie pairing with Giovanni, an insider has told The Sun that rumours of Giovanni, 31, being paired with Richie, 34, has caused a stir among other professionals.
The source said: “Some of Gio’s fellow pros have raised eyebrows about chat of him getting Richie.
“The last two same sex couples have done really well and the feeling is that whoever gets Richie could go all the way and win it.
“Winning two on the bounce would be great for Gio — but not all of his colleagues feel the same way.”
READ MORE:
- Strictly 'facing favouritism row' as Giovanni Pernice's celebrity partner 'leaked'
- Strictly Come Dancing stars' 'dance weekends investigate dancers for breaking BBC rules'
- Strictly Come Dancing launch date confirmed – and it's just weeks away
- Giovanni Pernice opens up on past Strictly partners including 'special' Rose Ayling-Ellis
- For all your updates on the Strictly Come Dancing star, sign up to our daily OK! newsletter
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