Italian showgirl Antonella Elia captivated audiences with her charm and talent, but beneath her glamorous exterior lies a compelling story of love, loss, and resilience. Known for her vibrant personality and professional versatility, Elia's life has not been without its challenges—from the tragic loss of her parents to her struggles with health. Yet these experiences have shaped her, helping her find love with Pietro Delle Piane and leading to plans for their upcoming marriage.
Born on November 1, 1963, in Turin, Elia’s foray onto the public stage began earlier than most. Initially working as a model, she made her television debut as a hostess on the show La Corrida - Dilettanti allo Sbaraglio back in 1990. From there, she co-hosted various popular programs throughout the 1990s, including Non è la Rai and Pressing, becoming one of the most recognized faces on Italian television.
Though her career flourished, Elia's personal life was marked by tragedy. She lost her mother at just one year old and her father in a car accident at age fifteen. Raised by her maternal grandparents, she carried this deep-seated loss throughout her life. Elia once expressed the magnitude of her childhood challenges, saying, "Quando ero bambina mi vergognavo di dire che non avevo la mamma"—revealing the deep impact of her mother's early absence. This tumultuous start shaped her view on family and relationships.
Elia has also faced health battles. Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2016, she described the moment as feeling like “a bomb” ready to explode. The experience led her to advocate for early detection of the disease, underlining her belief about the power of prevention. After undergoing surgery to remove part of her breast, she emerged stronger, determined to embrace life anew.
Her relationship with actor and dubbing voice Pietro Delle Piane began in 2018. The couple made their relationship public after participating together on the reality show Temptation Island in 2020. The show exposed their relationship to the world and included moments of drama, including verbal spats and temporary separations.
Following their time on Temptation Island, the couple faced difficulties yet cemented their bond. During the program, Pietro's remarks left Antonella distraught at times, but they found their way back to each other before declaring their love again. "Con lui sono serena, per me è diventato fondamentale" Elia once shared; he became her grounding force and emotional support.
Fast forward to 2025, Elia announced their wedding plans on the show Storie di Donne al Bivio. She excitedly shared, "Dopo due anelli, aspettavo la terza dichiarazione per dire ‘sì’ a Pietro. È arrivata e finalmente ci sposeremo," referring to their engagement and how love has triumphed over adversity. The wedding is planned for August during their long-awaited vacation trip to Polynesia, where they have envisioned celebrating with vibrant pink decorations.
Despite her happiness with Delle Piane, Antonella has been candid about her unfulfilled dreams of motherhood. Contrary to her earlier aspirations of family life, she reflected on shifting circumstances, stating, "Credo fortemente che una madre debba avere l’età giusta per fare un figlio..." Her deep yearning to become a mother lingers, yet she remains pragmatic about the challenges family life entails at this stage of her life.
Not one to dwell on the past, Elia looks forward to the future. With excitement for her upcoming wedding and newfound stability, she’s finally able to enjoy the complex yet enriching aspects of love. While her public persona has been characterized by joy and laughter, the untold depths of her personal trials give her story significant weight and meaning.
Elia’s relationship with Pietro serves not only as her romantic sanctuary but as healing space where she has learned to come to terms with her past and honor her dreams. It remains clear why Antonella Elia, once the belle of the Italian television scene, continues to command the spotlight: her life story is as compelling as her performances. The upcoming nuptials mark not merely another event but the hope of new beginnings. With anticipation and love, she embraces the next chapter, steps toward finally fulfilling the dreams she once set aside.