A TV heartthrob had pulses racing when he was the guest of honour at a Valentine’s vintage tea dance.

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice spent this afternoon (Tuesday, February 14) showing off his moves at the Stockton Business Improvement District event held in a giant marquee on the town’s High Street.

The Italian professional dancer and choreographer, who appeared in the last two series’ of the hit dance show, swapped celebrities Georgia May Foote and then Laura Whitmore for less star-studded dancers when he took them for a swirl around the dancefloor.

Karen Hindhaugh, manager of Stockton BID, was delighted the star took centre stage for the special event.

“Strictly Valentine’s is the first of many events we will be running in the town,” she said.

“This was a great way to showcase what Stockton has to offer and we hope it will attract dance enthusiasts – and just people who want to have a lovely afternoon out – to come along.

“To get a dancer of Giovanni’s calibre is a huge coup for us and we couldn’t wait to welcome him.”

The dance was one of a number of initiatives being introduced to help boost the local economy and drive business in the town centre.