Brief Introduction of Flavia Cacace
Flavia Cacace-Mistry is a celebrated Italian-British professional dancer, renowned for her captivating performances and significant contributions to the world of ballroom and Latin dance. She rose to mainstream prominence as one of the professional dancers on the hugely popular BBC television show, Strictly Come Dancing, where she appeared from 2006 to 2012. Partnered with her long-time professional dance partner, Vincent Simone, she became a household name, particularly noted for their breathtaking Argentine Tango routines. Cacace’s career is decorated with numerous championships, including multiple UK Professional Ten Dance, Showdance, and Ballroom titles. After her successful tenure on television, she transitioned to the stage, co-creating and starring in several sell-out theatre productions with Simone. In recent years, she has embraced a quieter life in the countryside, focusing on fitness, animal welfare, and a more sustainable lifestyle with her husband, actor Jimi Mistry.
Flavia Cacace Overview
| Full Name | Flavia Cacace-Mistry |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1980 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 45 |
| Birthplace | Naples, Italy |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Fitness Instructor |
| Husband/Wife | Jimi Mistry (married 2013) |
| Family | Roberto (Father), Rosaria (Mother), Five older siblings |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Vincent Simone (1999–2007), Matt Di Angelo (2007–2010) |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Flavia Cacace
Flavia Cacace was born in Naples, Italy, on March 13, 1980, the youngest of six children. At the age of four, her family relocated to the United Kingdom when her father, a chef, found a new job. Growing up in Guildford, Surrey, she attended St Peter’s Catholic School, which she left in 1995. Her passion for dance ignited at the young age of six when she began attending classes at Hurley’s Dance School in Guildford, specializing in disco, ballroom, and Latin American styles. Demonstrating a natural talent, Cacace progressed quickly, and by the age of twelve, she was already assisting in teaching younger students at the dance school. It was on the advice of her teachers that she ventured into the world of competitive dancing at fourteen. This early start laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career in the dance world.
Flavia Cacace’s Career
Flavia Cacace’s professional career is defined by her dynamic and long-standing partnership with fellow Italian dancer Vincent Simone. The pair, who met in their teens, became a formidable force on the competitive dance circuit. Together, they amassed an impressive collection of titles, establishing themselves as leading figures in the dance world. Their accolades include being crowned UK Professional Ten Dance Champions from 2002 to 2006, UK Professional Showdance Champions from 2003 to 2006, and the inaugural UK Argentine Tango Champions in 2006. They were also World Argentine Tango Show Champions in 2005 and 2006 and consistent finalists in World and European Ten Dance and Showdance championships.
In 2006, Cacace and Simone joined the professional lineup of the BBC’s hit show, Strictly Come Dancing, catapulting them to national fame. Cacace participated in seven series of the show. Her first partner was comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, who had to withdraw for medical reasons. In 2007, she reached the final with actor Matt Di Angelo, finishing as the runner-up. Her crowning moment on the show came in her final series in 2012, when she and her celebrity partner, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, lifted the coveted Glitterball Trophy as champions.
Following their departure from Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, Cacace and Simone embarked on a new chapter, translating their on-screen success to the stage. They co-created and starred in a series of critically and commercially successful theatre productions, including Midnight Tango, Dance ‘Til Dawn, and The Last Tango. These shows toured extensively across the UK, including several runs in London’s prestigious West End, and earned them nominations for Laurence Olivier Awards. After years of intensive touring, Cacace took a break from professional dancing, citing exhaustion. She has since diversified her career, qualifying as a personal trainer and nutritional advisor and launching a fitness brand, FCMFIT, with her husband. She also runs a dance school, “Dance With Flavia,” and has returned to the stage for select tours.
Flavia Cacace Personal Life & Family
Flavia Cacace’s personal life has often been in the public eye, particularly her relationships formed through her dancing career. For eleven years, she was in a relationship with her professional partner, Vincent Simone, before they split in 2007. Following their separation, she dated actor Matt Di Angelo, her celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing, from 2007 to 2010.
In 2010, Cacace was partnered with actor Jimi Mistry on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing. Their on-screen partnership blossomed into a real-life romance. The couple announced their engagement in January 2013 and were married in London on December 28, 2013. They do not have children together, though Mistry has a daughter from a previous marriage.
In a significant lifestyle change, Cacace and Mistry relocated from Surrey to a seven-acre smallholding in Devon in 2021. They have embraced a more self-sufficient life, raising rare breed sheep, keeping chickens, and growing their own fruit and vegetables. Cacace has a deep love for animals and is a qualified dog groomer. This move to the countryside was prompted by a desire for a calmer, less stressful life after her intensive touring career.
Awards and Achievements of Flavia Cacace
- Strictly Come Dancing Champion (2012) with partner Louis Smith.
- World Argentine Tango Show Champions (2005, 2006) with Vincent Simone.
- UK Argentine Tango Champions (2006) with Vincent Simone.
- UK Professional Showdance Champions (2003–2006) with Vincent Simone.
- UK Professional Ten Dance Champions (2002–2006) with Vincent Simone.
- UK Ballroom Champions with Vincent Simone.
- World and European Ten Dance and Showdance finalists (2002–2006) with Vincent Simone.
- Laurence Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment and Family for theatre shows Midnight Tango (2012) and Dance ‘Til Dawn (2015).
- Rear of the Year Award (2013) with Vincent Simone.
Flavia Cacace Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Flavia Cacace’s exact net worth as of 2025 is not publicly available. Her income has been derived from a variety of sources throughout her successful career. This includes her salary as a professional dancer on the high-profile BBC show Strictly Come Dancing for seven series. A significant portion of her earnings came from creating, choreographing, and starring in multiple sell-out UK theatre tours with dance partner Vincent Simone. Additionally, Cacace earns income from her dance school, “Dance With Flavia,” where she offers classes and private tuition. She has also launched a fitness and nutrition brand, FCMFIT, with her husband Jimi Mistry, and previously released dance fitness DVDs. In recent years, her ventures have expanded to include their farm in Devon, where they sell fresh produce and plan to open a farm shop.
Legacy and Influence
Flavia Cacace, alongside her partner Vincent Simone, is widely credited with popularizing the Argentine Tango in the UK. Their electrifying performances on Strictly Come Dancing introduced the passionate and intricate dance style to a mainstream audience, making it a fan favourite on the show. Their first appearance performing the dance on the show in 2005 was a pivotal moment that led to its inclusion as a competitive style in subsequent series. Cacace’s skill as a choreographer and teacher was evident in her ability to guide celebrity partners, with varying degrees of natural talent, to produce memorable and high-quality performances, culminating in her 2012 series win. Her transition from television to creating successful, long-running stage shows demonstrated a business acumen and a lasting appeal that extended beyond the ballroom, solidifying her and Simone’s brand as masters of dance theatre. Her more recent shift towards a life focused on wellness, fitness, and sustainable farming presents a different kind of influence, showcasing a deliberate move away from the pressures of fame towards a more grounded and balanced lifestyle.
Interesting Facts about Flavia Cacace
- Flavia is the youngest of six children.
- She began assisting with dance instruction at the age of 12.
- Cacace is a qualified dog groomer, having passed her ‘City & Guilds’ qualification with distinction.
- She is also a qualified Level 3 personal trainer and nutritional advisor.
- She and her husband Jimi Mistry had the official Strictly Come Dancing band perform at their wedding.
- In 2021, she and Mistry moved to a seven-acre smallholding in Devon to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
- She is a patron of the ‘Dog Trouble Foundation’, an animal welfare charity.
Controversies
Flavia Cacace’s personal life attracted media attention during her time on Strictly Come Dancing. In 2007, her long-term romantic and professional relationship with dance partner Vincent Simone ended. Shortly after, she began a relationship with her celebrity partner from that series, Matt Di Angelo. When this relationship ended in 2010, she later found love with another celebrity partner, Jimi Mistry. This led to some public discussion about the so-called “Strictly curse,” a term used to describe the frequency of relationships ending during or after the show. Cacace herself has addressed this, stating she doesn’t believe in a “curse” and that the intense experience of the show can simply impact existing life circumstances.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Flavia Cacace
Flavia Cacace’s journey is a testament to a life dedicated to passion, evolution, and personal fulfillment. From a young dance prodigy in Guildford to a national ballroom champion and a beloved star of one of the UK’s biggest television shows, her talent and charisma have left a lasting mark on the world of dance. Her partnership with Vincent Simone will be remembered for its fiery chemistry and for bringing the Argentine Tango into the hearts of millions. Yet, perhaps her most compelling chapter is the one she is currently writing. By trading the glitter of the ballroom for the green pastures of Devon, Cacace has redefined success on her own terms. Her focus on health, nature, and a sustainable lifestyle with her husband Jimi Mistry reflects a profound personal transformation. While she occasionally returns to the dance world, her current path demonstrates a commitment to a quieter, more grounded existence, proving that true fulfillment can be found far from the spotlight.