Giovanni Pernice has admitted that he sometimes feels lonely without a partner or family of his own, as he continues to live the single life of a bachelor.
The Strictly Come Dancing pro, 32, opened up about the difficulties of finding a true connection amid being one of the UK's biggest BBC stars.
And the rare confession came during an episode of his brand-new BBC series, Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily, Tuesday evening.
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The Mirror reports that Giovanni's new travel show - which is already proving a treat for BBC viewers - sees the Strictly star showing friend and co-performer Anton Du Beke, 56, his beloved homeland. The latest instalment shows the duo exploring Mount Etna, joined by Rose Ayling-Ellis as they wander Europe's highest volcano.
After whipping up some succulent scran on the hike, Gio decided to go on about his grumbles at the moment. He admitted that he would one day love to have a family of his own, and eventually find love - before confessing that he gets very lonely as a single man.
He insisted: "One day I will cook for my family," with Anton replying: "Once you get a family, you will be doing it all the time."
Giovanni went on: "My mum always says to me: 'So, Giovanni, what's the situation?' because obviously every time I date a girl, I always tell her and say 'What do you think about this?' Bless her, she's seen so many passing by. But initially, she's like: 'Is she the one? You know, I want a baby before I pass way!' It's all the time, constantly, it's funny."
He continued: "Of course I'll have a family one day, you just have to find the right person first. Personally, I am just very focused on my career as you were at my age. It does get lonely sometimes, it's a tricky thing between - there's a line, a fine line, between: 'I want to be in a relationship and be with somebody because you get lonely'.
"But at the same time, you want to be free to be able to focus on your career. And also, this industry, quite tricky, as you know, because you always have to be focused."
Gio has previously had connections with Maura Higgins, Jess Wright and Ashley Roberts - as well as dating Strictly partner Georgia May Foote.
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