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Gio

Taking the Lead: The Sunday Times Bestseller and Must-Read for Strictly Fans

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Gio

By: Giovanni Pernice
Narrated by: Giovanni Pernice, Pedro Leandro
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'At thirty-three, after a lifetime of striving to be the best dancer I could be, I was a man at the top of his game. Fresh from lifting the Glitterball and winning a BAFTA I was living my wildest dreams.
This is the story of how quickly it can fall apart, and how, when it felt like everything was against me, I fought to find a way back and take the lead in my own life once more ...'

From Sicily to Strictly, Giovanni Pernice tells his story for the first time, revealing the journey that shaped him both on and off the dance floor.

Growing up in Sicily, Giovanni began dancing as a child, training at the renowned Paladanze school before joining the elite Team Diablo, famed for its rigorous approach and world-class Latin champions.
When Giovanni joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, he quickly won audiences over with his talent, ambition and charisma, building one of the most loyal fanbases in the show's history and becoming one of its most adored stars.

In 2021, Giovanni reached the pinnacle of his Strictly career, winning the series with Rose Ayling-Ellis and delivering an unforgettable performance that was awarded Must-See TV Moment at the British Academy Television Awards.
Then came the headlines.

After years at the heart of Britain's biggest entertainment show, Giovanni's journey on Strictly came to an unexpected end. The events that followed tested his resilience and reshaped his perspective on life. Through it all, one thing never changed: the connection with his audience, who supported him and got him through those tough times.

Warm, candid and inspiring, Gio: Taking the Lead is a story of ambition, sacrifice, reinvention and finding strength when the music stops.

This is Giovanni - in his own words.


*Gio: Taking the Lead by Giovanni Pernice was a Sunday Times Bestseller Sunday 6th September 2026©2026 Giovanni Pernice (P)2026 Headline Publishing Group Limited Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Entertainment
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Really enjoyed listening to Giovanni’s story. I think the narrator was perfect and it was like listening to him speaking even though it wasn’t him.
Sadly, I have been in a similar situation as Gio, in that when you’ve hit rock bottom (for whatever the reason), you discover who your friends really are and who is genuinely there for you. I believe in karma and fate, and this really shows well in Gio’s personal life and career too.
Pleased things are finally working out for him, and he has some exciting opportunities ahead.
Lastly, I knew he did dancing shows with Anton, but had no idea there is this brilliant friendship/bromance going on! Thanks to Gio for sharing his story. Great book. Recommended.

Waited a long time for this book

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A fantastic read, I knew the truth, regarding the allegations, hearing the truth, was very shocking to hear, and how this affected Gio, great to hear, your true friends were supportive.
Great to hear, how you grew up in Palmero, how your parents gave everything for you, to make your dreams as a dancer, come true.
Very engaging read, thank you Gio, best of luck for your future 🫶🏼

The truth told by Gio !

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Honest and open , though hard work Gio is back stronger and better than ever . Can’t wait to see you on our TV 2027 where you belong

Excellent

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Really enjoyed reading this. it was interesting to hear about his life and his Strictly journey. He wrote with passion and his truth. He openly admits to his faults but it is heart breaking to hear how this shattered his life. Great that he fought back and is able to tell his side of the story. Well done Giovanni!

True professional

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Loved listening to this book. Such an open & honest listen & so glad he’s doing ok now after a horrible time.

Fab listen

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