Strictly 'facing favouritism row' as Giovanni Pernice's celebrity partner 'leaked'
ok.co.ukStrictly Come Dancing is reportedly facing a favouritism row as professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s celebrity dance partner for this year is said to have been “leaked”.
Giovanni, who won last year’s show with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, after Rose was the first deaf contestant to take part in Strictly, is rumoured to be partnering this year with Richie Anderson in a same-sex couple, with rival dancers said to be fearing this could secure the Italian dancer’s place in the final again.
BBC star Richie was announced to be joining the hit show earlier this month and he spoke about competing in a same-sex couple.
The news of Richie appearing on the hit BBC show was announced on Zoe Ball's Breakfast show, where he said: “It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show." Following speculation of Richie pairing with Giovanni, an insider has told The Sun that rumours of Giovanni, 31, being paired with Richie, 34, has caused a stir among other professionals.
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