STRICTLY stars spotted the signs that Giovanni Pernice’s relationship with Maura Higgins was over WEEKS ago, The Celeb Report can reveal.
Whispers started circulating after the Love Island beauty was repeatedly absent from the show’s audience on Saturday nights.
And the Irish model was also nowhere to be seen during after-show parties which the cast and crew have been arranging each week.
A source told The Celeb Report: “Strictly is one big family and everyone had been looking forward to meeting Maura.
“But she hadn’t been attending on Saturday nights which did raise a few eyebrows among many on the show.
“Maura had been supporting Gio during his tour before Strictly, so everyone found it a big strange that she wasn’t there on Saturday nights cheering him on.”
Yesterday we exclusively revealed how Giovanni ended the relationship because he wasn’t ready to settle down.
Love Island star Maura, 30, was left blindsided by the split, which came just days after they moved in together, and is “utterly heartbroken”.
She has deleted all trace of the Italian from her social media, telling pals she “has to move on” from their four-month romance.
A source said: “Maura didn’t see this coming and is finding it very difficult to come to terms with. She genuinely thought Gio was the one.”
The pair are believed to have split two weeks ago after heart-to heart talks.
It is believed Giovanni, 31, admitted he had become concerned the pair’s “crazy suitcase lives” meant they weren’t able to see enough of each other.
The source said: “Gio is working 24/7 on Strictly and Maura is flying here, there and everywhere with modelling.
“Gio is also set to go on tour again next year when Strictly ends so their lifestyles just don’t fit with settling down at the moment.
“That’s why Gio decided to end things. They have crazy suitcase lives which makes it hard to be in a relationship.
“He adores Maura and had hoped they could remain friends – but that doesn’t look likely.”
Meanwhile show sources said that despite his love-split it has been “business as usual” this week for the Italian dancer.
“He’s thrown himself back into training with Rose,” our insider said. “He’s not walking around looking like someone who’s just broken up.
“It’s usual Giovanni – happy, bubbly and full of excitement for the show. If he is struggling in the aftermath of the split he’s certainly not showing it.”
The Irish Sun first revealed that Giovanni who is partnered with Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly — and Maura were dating over the summer. We also landed the first picture of the pair out with pals in Blackpool, England, in June.
But even then witnesses said they overheard the pair “bickering” while out. Our source added: “Gio and Maura are both quite strong willed so their relationship was fiery at times.
“It’s not easy going out with someone who’s on Strictly Come Dancing, with all the history there.
“Plus, Maura had to deal with the fact one Katie McGlynn, who Gio has been linked to, was on the show. But she was hugely supportive of Gio and is utterly heartbroken things have come to an end.
“But Maura is a strong girl and will brush herself down and bounce back.”
Maura last night put her split to one side as she returned to social media to show the progress on her new place.
The stunner then headed out for a meal after unpacking boxes.
She said: “New place is finally coming together. I totally forgot how stressful moving is.”
