Strictly 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 wasthe 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.
The source said: “Some of Gio’s fellow pros have raised eyebrows about chat of him getting Richie.
“The last two same sex couples have done really well and the feeling is that whoever gets Richie could go all the way and win it.
“Winning two on the bounce would be great for Gio — but not all of his colleagues feel the same way.”
OK! has contacted BBC for comment.
Giovanni and Rose won the Glitterball trophy last year ahead ofJohn Whaiteand Johannes Radebe.
Winner of the third series of The Great British Bake Off, John, was paired last year with Johannes and they made history as they became the first same-sex male celebrity pairing to take part and reach the finals.
Recently John thanked Johannes for giving him confidence throughout his journey.
Speaking in a VT on the BBC programme, John said: "I think before the show, people thought I was quite confident, but I’m actually quite a shy person.
"(Strictly) has shown me that confidence is something that we learn, and it was Johannes that was there behind me every week and he’s pushed me to be more self-believing.
"I’ll be forever grateful for that because, in my 32 years, that is something that I have really, really been looking for."
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