Giovanni Pernice has been left "absolutely terrified" after being attacked with a noxious substance.
Giovanni Pernice
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star has reportedly been left shaken after he was sprayed in the eyes with a substance when he had his watch and rucksack stolen in an attack in Epping, Essex.
A source said: "His first thought was that it was an acid attack - because of the burning in his eyes. He has been left absolutely terrified by the attack. It has hugely knocked his confidence."
Giovanni's girlfriend Ashley Roberts rushed to his side to comfort her boyfriend and is "concerned" it could happen again.
An insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "As a person in the public eye, Ashley is just as concerned that this kind of thing could happen to her too."
Giovanni previously revealed she doesn't believe in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' curse and thinks the idea of a show curse is ludicrous.
He said: "No. If you're in a strong relationship, it's not inevitable that you'll begin an affair with your dance partner. The rumba, the Argentine tango, they require you to put across physical attraction. But it doesn't have to spill over to real life."
Giovanni enjoyed spending time with Ashley on the 'Strictly' tour as there was "less pressure" than on TV.
He said: "It's a very new relationship. We're getting to know each other outside 'Strictly'. That was good because there's less pressure than on TV. Let's see how the relationship develops. But my private life is just that: private."
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