Francesca Tocca has opened up about her personal and professional journey during an emotional appearance on the popular Italian talk show Verissimo, which aired on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The 35-year-old dancer, who recently returned to the cast of Amici, discussed not only her career but also her recent separation from fellow dancer Raimondo Todaro, with whom she shares a daughter.
Born in Catania on July 24, 1989, Tocca has been passionate about dance since childhood. She began her career by joining a dance academy and focusing on partner dances at the age of 16, where she met Todaro. Together, they competed in Latin-American dance competitions, even achieving second place at the Italian championships. In 2013, the couple opened a dance school together, and two years later, Tocca joined the professional dance troupe of Amici, a show created by Maria De Filippi.
During her appearance on Verissimo, Tocca expressed her happiness about returning to Amici, stating, "I feel at home. I missed Amici; at first, I was worried, but when I stepped back in, it was like I had never left." Her daughter Jasmine, now twelve years old, has been a source of encouragement for her during this transition. Tocca mentioned, "When I decided to take a break, it was a struggle. Today, I see in her eyes that she is proud of her mom and wants to see me here again."
The conversation then shifted to her relationship with Todaro, who she was with for over a decade. The couple announced their separation via Instagram in January 2025, but Tocca revealed that they had made this decision months prior. "We had already taken that decision a few months ago," she explained, emphasizing the importance of their relationship. "Now we are very serene. We have a beautiful relationship, although it’s hard to explain."
Tocca elaborated on the difficulties they faced, stating, "We both gave our all to this relationship and tried to save it for our own good and for our daughter. But then we realized that the more we forced it, the more we were hurting each other." She added that despite their separation, there remains a bond that transcends romantic love. "There is a good between us that goes beyond everything," she said.
When asked if there could be a chance for reconciliation, Tocca responded, "You never know. I’m a very instinctive person; I won’t say it’s impossible, but I just don’t know. For the good of both of us, we needed to take this step." This statement reflects her openness to the future while acknowledging the necessity of their current situation.
In addition to discussing her separation, Tocca addressed the swirling gossip surrounding her personal life post-breakup. She expressed her frustration with the rumors, particularly regarding her supposed new relationships. "It bothers me when they make things up out of thin air, not just for me but for the people close to me. Ask me. There are a lot of nasty people on social media who are just waiting to latch onto something. I accept criticism, but it’s hurtful when there’s malice involved," she stated.
Reflecting on her emotional state, Tocca admitted that the criticisms she has encountered have been painful. "I am a very sensitive person, even if it doesn’t seem like it when I’m dancing," she shared, revealing the emotional toll that public scrutiny can take.
Despite the challenges, Tocca is determined to focus on her career and her daughter. She noted that her journey has been one of personal rebirth, balancing her return to the stage with navigating the complexities of her personal life. "I’m experiencing a rebirth, both personally and professionally. I want to be a good example for my daughter," she expressed.
The couple's history is rich, having met as teenagers and sharing significant life experiences, including a deep crisis in 2020 when Tocca briefly dated another dancer, Valentin, from Amici. They reconciled in 2021, but ultimately, they realized that separating was the healthiest choice for both of them. "We understood that after giving everything to this relationship, we were hurting each other. Recognizing that sometimes you can do good for someone by stepping away is a form of love," Tocca explained.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Tocca remains hopeful about the future. "We will always be there for each other. Today, when we see each other, we are even more serene than before. We had already separated and then gotten back together. In life, you can never know. I never plan anything because I am a very instinctive person," she concluded, leaving the door open for whatever may come next.
With her return to Amici and her commitment to her daughter, Francesca Tocca is poised to embrace the challenges ahead, focusing on her career while navigating the complexities of her personal life.
