Strictly Come Dancing champions Hamza Yassin and Jowita Pryzstal are still close friends despite a romance which ‘tore them apart’

Strictly Come Dancing champions Hamza Yassin and Jowita Pryzstal sparked romance rumours as they grew close during their time together on the BBC series.

Following a rough patch caused by Jowita’s romantic link to fellow dancer Giovanni Pernice, the pair are still said to be close. Speculations had swirled during their stint on the show that CBeebies presenter and wildlife cameraman Hamza harboured a soft spot for Jowita, his professional partner on the dance floor, leading them to triumph with the Glitterball trophy.

Yet, emotions were strained when it emerged that Jowita was involved with Giovanni Pernice, aged 34, leaving an enamoured Hamza nursing a broken heart.

Reports indicated that Jowita secretly dated 2021 victor Giovanni, even being caught in a backstage embrace. According to sources speaking to the Mirror, this revelation derailed Hamza’s hopes of their close bond blossoming into romance, .

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Hamza was said to be disappointed by Jowita and Giovanni’s reported romance (Image: -BBC)

The Sun quoted a source revealing inside details of the pairing: “Hamza and Jowita became very close and at times were quite touchy-feely. People would often see them sneak off together. But while Jowita thinks the world of him, she held back from anything romantic and kept him slightly at arm’s length.”

An insider has spilled the beans on the Strictly Come Dancing drama, revealing that Jowita Przystal’s coldness towards dance partner Hamza Yassin now makes sense in light of her romance with Giovanni Pernice. “While Hamza wants her to be happy, he was quietly devastated,” the source disclosed.

The new couple first turned heads at Chelsea star Jorginho’s lavish birthday celebration, shortly after Jowita and Hamza’s triumph on the dance floor. This development sparked whispers of a rift between Giovanni and Hamza, seemingly confirmed when Hamza unfollowed Giovanni on social media.

Hamza and Jowita are still good friends after winning the show (Image: PA)

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The Sun’s informant shed more light on the matter, reiterating that once Jowita’s relationship with Giovanni became public knowledge, her reasons for distancing herself from Hamza were apparent. “While Hamza wants her to be happy, he was quietly devastated,” they echoed.

The rumour mill went into overdrive when Jowita was spotted leaving Giovanni’s plush London pad just minutes apart. The pair seemingly confirmed their relationship when snapped leaving his Notting Hill flat, hinting at a sleepover.

Giovanni and Jowita were caught on camera exiting a London residence separately, with a half-hour interval between them. Following the snaps, Jowita headed to the train station, while Giovanni embarked on a press run for his upcoming tour.

Rumours of a potential romance between Jowita and Giovanni have been swirling since they first danced together on the show in October, with their chemistry being palpable. Eagle-eyed viewers also spotted Giovanni giving Jowita a lingering hug after her victory in December 2022.

Giovanni has a track record of dating fellow stars he’s met during the Strictly competition.

The Italian dancer previously dated his celebrity partner Georgia May Foote, following their runner-up finish in 2015. He was also romantically involved with contestant Ashley Roberts in 2018, after she competed on the show, and they remained a couple for a year