Jessica Wright has split from Giovanni Pernice.
The former ‘Only Way is Essex’ star has been left "really upset" after the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional called time on their five-month romance, reportedly because he "struggled" with her popularity.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "He was really into Jess and did want to make a go of it, but he struggled with the attention she gets and her popularity.
"They’ve tried to keep things amicable and told people they have both agreed to go their separate ways, but he was the one who first suggested things were going to end.
"She has been really upset by this. It’s a real shame but hopefully things will stay civil."
The news comes just a few weeks after the Italian dancer – who began dating Jess late last year following his split from former ‘Strictly’ dance partner Georgia May Foote – spoke of his desire to settle down, though he admitted he wasn’t ready to do that just yet.
He said: "Of course I want to settle, darling, I’m Italian. I want to have a big family, it’s just not the time.
"I’m 27 years old — I really want to dance has much as I can."
And Giovanni dismissed speculation his relationship with 32-year-old Jessica could fall victim to the infamous ‘Strictly’ curse.
He said: "I don’t believe in it. I always say you are the owner of your life.
"People can be really clever or not. We are dancers, we are used to doing this all our lives.
"I’ve been dancing 20 years — this is my job.
"It’s like an actor who has to kiss somebody on screen."
Meanwhile, Jessica admitted earlier this year she had been "panicking" about her body clock.
She said: "I want children eventually, but I’m not in a rush. At one point last year I was thinking about my body clock and I was really panicking but now I couldn’t give a sh*t. I’m absolutely loving my life and I’ve just bought a house, so children aren’t on my agenda right now – which probably doesn’t make my mum happy."
Jessica Wright splits from Giovanni Pernice
