THE mum of the Italian girlfriend of ex-Strictly star Giovanni Pernice claimed that her daughter has “met the love of her life” – and hopes he will become her son-in-law.

Sicilian Gio last month confirmed his romance with dance partner Bianca Guaccero on Italy’s version of the BBC show Ballando con le Stelle.

Giovanni Pernice with new girlfriend Bianca Guaccero
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Giovanni Pernice with new girlfriend Bianca GuacceroCredit: Rex

Bianca's mum claimed that her daughter has 'met the love of her life' - and hopes he will become her son-in-law
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Bianca’s mum claimed that her daughter has ‘met the love of her life’ – and hopes he will become her son-in-lawCredit: The Mega Agency

Gio confirmed his romance with dance partner Bianca on Italy’s version of the BBC show Ballando con le Stelle last month
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Gio confirmed his romance with dance partner Bianca on Italy’s version of the BBC show Ballando con le Stelle last monthCredit: Getty
Actress and TV presenter, Bianca, 34, danced with mum Rosa in a special episode for the semi-final, alongside Giovanni, 34, last Saturday.

Last night the pair were performing in the final.

Proud Rosa said: “My daughter has always been very sensitive, she has faced many challenges with courage and I am proud of the woman she has become.

“I am very happy that she chose to take part in Ballando con le Stelle because this show has given her and is giving her so much, as a woman.

“Giovanni came down to meet me and my husband in Puglia, and I like him as a person.

“Bianca has never said it to me explicitly but love doesn’t need to be announced, you see it and you feel it and that is enough.”

At the end of the dance in last Saturday’s semi-final, the show’s host added: “Maybe Bianca doesn’t know this, but behind the scenes Rosa said to me, ‘I think my daughter has met the love of her life, I hope that Giovanni becomes my son-in-law.’”

Giovanni, who quit Strictly amid the investigation into his bullying behaviour towards Amanda Abbington, replied: “I don’t know what will happen in the future but we are on the right track.”

Last week Bianca and Giovanni were interviewed on an Italian show called La Volta Buona.

Bianca said “Sometimes in life you meet people who damage your self esteem and you have to recover it bit by bit with time.

“Now I’ve met someone who has helped me recover.

“It’s 60-70 percent thanks to Giovanni.”