Giovanni Pernice has reportedly been caught up in a “favouritism row” over rumoured dance partner
The 31-year-old won last year’s series alongside the show’s first ever deaf contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
According to The Sun, the dancer has “raised eyebrows” among some of his peers who believe he will “sail” through the competition once again.
Strictly bosses reportedly plan to pair him with Richie Anderson, who is already confirmed to be partnered up with another male for the third same-sex couple in the show’s history.
In 2021, same-sex couple John Whaite and pro Johannes Radebe placed second in the contest.
A source told the outlet: “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,” the source continued.
“Winning two on the bounce would be great for Gio — but not all of his colleagues feel the same way.”
15 celebrities will compete to win the iconic Glitterball trophy, when Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens on September 7.
Check out the full line-up here.
