Maura Higgins supported boyfriend Giovanni Pernice in Blackpool at the opening night of his new show

Maura Higgins supported boyfriend Giovanni Pernice in Blackpool at the opening night of his new show – before staying with the Strictly hunk at a hotel.

The Love Island star, 30, was spotted at Blackpool’s Opera House where Giovanni, 30, and his Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke, 54, performed the first night of their dance show, Him & Me.

It comes after MailOnline revealed that Maura and Giovanni have been dating in secret following the Irish presenter’s split from fellow Love Island contestant Chris Taylor, 30.

A source said: ‘Giovanni was so thrilled that Maura was in the audience for his opening night – and she loved seeing him in action.

‘Although Giovanni is working it’s been like a mini break for them, they’re staying at Blackpool’s The Big Blue Hotel, which has been a fun experience.’ 

MailOnline revealed Maura and the Strictly dancer are in the ‘early stages of a relationship’ this week after the couple were spotted sitting alongside each other during Italy’s Euro 2020 win over Austria at Wembley on Saturday.

They were also seen enjoying a staycation together in Cornwall last month, though they have attempted to keep their blossoming romance under wraps for as long as possible.

MailOnline contacted Maura and Giovanni’s representatives for comment.  

Following Thursday night’s show, Giovanni said on Instagram: ‘Opening night and I couldn’t be more proud of this production. Anton Du Beke and I are super ready for you UK.’ 

One shocked fan of Maura’s tweeted about meeting the star in Blackpool on Friday, writing online: ‘Why the duck have I met Maura Higgins in BLACKPOOL.’

While the pair is yet to publicly acknowledge their romance, Maura and Giovanni do follow each other on Instagram and the dancer has been showing his affection for the ex-Islander by liking her pictures. 

Maura’s ex-boyfriend Chris, who she split from in May, hasn’t posted on social media since the news broke of her new relationship with Giovanni. 

Giovanni’s ex-girlfriends include Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, TOWIE’s Jess Wright and soap actress Georgia May Foote, while Maura fell for ballroom dancer Curtis Pritchard on Love Island in 2019.

Curtis’ brother AJ will know Giovanni well after starring with him on Strictly for years, before he left the BBC series in 2020.

Last year, while performing with his celeb partner Ranvir Singh, the pair were rumoured to have grown close due to their chemistry, which was noted by the Strictly judges.  

Giovanni started dating Georgia after they were paired together on Strictly, while his ex-Ashley also competed on the series prior them becoming a couple.