Maura Higgins' ex Giovanni Pernice responds to Verity Bowditch dating rumours

A source recently told The Sun that the Strictly Come Dancing professional had fallen “head over heels” for the 26-year-old, who he reportedly started seeing not long after his split from Maura last month.

The pair had reportedly been meeting in secret for a few weeks.

“Giovanni has fallen head over heels for Verity,” the insider spilled.

“They are smitten. He’s been training really hard, but has made time for her. They’re very sweet together.”

Giovanni (31) took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday afternoon to set the record straight and shut down any speculation about his dating life.

“Happy Sunday beautiful people,” he began.

“Always wanting to speak the truth over here. It’s news to me that I am dating, didn’t know anything about it.

“At the moment, as you know it’s all about dance dance dance, which is wonderfullll daaaaarling. That’s the reality, no drama here.

“Have a great day – ‘The Sun’ is shining! Gio x”

It comes after it emerged that Maura has been busy recovering from the breakup by using celebrity dating app Raya.

An insider told The Sun that the Longford lady had been getting inundated with matches and messages since joining the site.

“Maura is a stunning girl and has already been bombarded with offers and swipes,” the source revealed.

“She won’t be single for long.”