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GIVING IT THEIR BEST SHOT

Strictly couple Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice arrive at rehearsals with THREE coffees as they join dancers and celebs to practice for tour

The Strictly Come Dancing stars arrived to Arena Birmingham together after confirming their romance

STRICTLY Come Dancing stars Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice were pictured leaving their hotel in Birmingham today, a day after the Italian dancer confirmed their romance.

The pair, who have hid their romance for weeks, were seen carrying three coffees as they made their way to the Arena Birmingham for Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2019 rehearsals.

 Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice were pictured leaving their hotel in Birmingham today
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Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice were pictured leaving their hotel in Birmingham todayCredit: Rex Features

Looking in jovial spirits, Ashley, 37, wrapped up in a knee-length tiger print jacket while holding two takeaway cups in her hands.

The former Pussycat Doll layered her statement coat over her fitted black top and monochrome gym leggings.

Appearing ready for a vigorous day of rehearsals, she worked her blonde hair into a messy top knot with a pair of eighties-inspired glasses.

Giovanni looked equally ready for rehearsals as he donned a black sports jacket with his grey tracksuit bottoms.

 Ashley was seen carrying coffees as she made her way to the Arena Birmingham
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Ashley was seen carrying coffees as she made her way to the Arena BirminghamCredit: Rex Features
 Giovanni looked ready for rehearsals
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Giovanni looked ready for rehearsalsCredit: Rex Features
 The 37-year-old was later pictured chatting on the phone
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The 37-year-old was later pictured chatting on the phoneCredit: WENN

The professional dancer carried a black backpack on his back as he held onto his phone and a takeaway espresso.

The couple weren't the only famous faces arriving to rehearsals as dance pros Karen Clifton, Janette Manara, Graziano Di Prima, Aljaz Skorjanec and AJ Pritchard were also spotted outside the arena.

While Strictly winner Stacey Dooley led the celebrity arrivals with Joe Sugg, Faye Tozer and Dr Raj following behind.

Meanwhile, Giovanni confirmed his relationship with Ashley after weeks of hiding their Strictly romance yesterday.

 Strictly pro Dianne Buswell beamed as she arrived to rehearsals
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Strictly pro Dianne Buswell beamed as she arrived to rehearsalsCredit: Rex Features
 Dianne's boyfriend and fellow Strictly star Joe Sugg followed moments behind
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Dianne's boyfriend and fellow Strictly star Joe Sugg followed moments behindCredit: Rex Features
 Finalist Faye Tozer carried a stylish black tote into rehearsals
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Finalist Faye Tozer carried a stylish black tote into rehearsalsCredit: Rex Features
 Strictly winner Stacey Dooley looked chic
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Strictly winner Stacey Dooley looked chicCredit: Rex Features
 Stacey's dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec accompanied her to rehearsals
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Stacey's dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec accompanied her to rehearsalsCredit: Rex Features

The pro dancer, 28, and former Pussycat Doll - who both danced on the latest series but were not partnered together - have been dating for months, but the pair have tried to keep it under wraps.

The Sun revealed that Ashley and Giovanni were dating earlier this year, and the new couple flew out to the US to spend Christmas with her family.

Speaking on today's Lorriane, when the host asked about holidaying with his new girlfriend, he confirmed: "We spent time together, yes."

She then noted that it was "early days" for the relationship, but hoped it went well, and Giovanni said: "Thank you."

 Dancer Janette Manara was all smiles
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Dancer Janette Manara was all smilesCredit: Rex Features
 Karen Clifton donned a pair of shades for the outing
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Karen Clifton donned a pair of shades for the outingCredit: Rex Features
 Nadiya Bychkova styled her blonde hair in a straight style
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Nadiya Bychkova styled her blonde hair in a straight styleCredit: Rex Features

The couple were pictured kissing after leaving a Nando's last week.

Ashley and pro partner Pasha Kovalev, 38, reached the final but fans turned on her over her previous dance experience.

The Sun had told of her and Giovanni - a finalist with Steps star Faye Tozer - growing close in rehearsals but the pair tried to keep it under wraps at first.

 Dj Raj wore a blue tracksuit top for the day
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Dj Raj wore a blue tracksuit top for the dayCredit: Rex Features
 Ore Oduba wrapped up in a stylish parka jacket
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Ore Oduba wrapped up in a stylish parka jacketCredit: Rex Features
 AJ Pritchard looked in high spirits
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AJ Pritchard looked in high spiritsCredit: Rex Features

According to pals, they became "extremely serious" after the final.

Sharing stunning pictures of their trip to the secluded Turks and Caicos islands, Ashley said: "Merry Xmas Eve. Sending lots of love and happiness out to you and your's."

 Graziano Di Prima donned a black baseball cap over his hair
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Graziano Di Prima donned a black baseball cap over his hairCredit: Rex Features
 Head judge Craig Revel Horwood pushed his suitcase into the venue
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Head judge Craig Revel Horwood pushed his suitcase into the venueCredit: Rex Features

She went on to describe the moment as her "happy place".

An insider told The Sun: "This is a sign of just how heavily Giovanni has fallen for Ashley during the three to four months they were working in close ­quarters together."

"But because of the show’s punishing rehearsal and performance schedule they couldn’t spend as much time together as they might have liked."

Giovanni Pernice confirms Ashley Roberts relationship after weeks of hiding Strictly romance


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