Debbie McGee, who paired up with Giovanni Pernice for the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing, opened up about her experience behind the scenes of the BBC One dance contest earlier this year.
Claims concerning Giovanni’s former dance partnership with Amanda Abbington for the 2023 series have resurfaced recently.
Sherlock actress Amanda quit Strictly in October on medical grounds. But there were also rumours the two had been ‘feuding’ away from the cameras. As a result, a BBC investigation is underway.
Amanda’s complaint
In January of this year, reports alleged Amanda had developed PTSD and needed therapy after her Strictly departure.
Since then further claims have emerged suggesting two more of Gio’s previous celeb partners – Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore – came together with Amanda for an “emotional” meeting about Giovanni on Strictly where they are said to have discussed their respective runs on the programme.
However, Debbie – who finished as a runner-up in the TV competition – also offered her take on working with Giovanni.
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Giovanni Pernice on Strictly
Debbie, previously a magician’s assistant alongside late husband Paul Daniels, has shared how much she “adored” being on the show.
Speaking to the Express website, she said: “All my memories of Strictly behind the scenes are happy ones. I adored every single minute and every single person I was working with.”
Everyone supported each other.
Debbie – on Tipping Point Lucky Stars this weekend (August 25) – continued: “I never felt an ounce of competitiveness. Everyone supported each other – pros and celebrities.”
According to the outlet, Debbie said she didn’t experience any “tension” backstage.
In June, she directly addressed her partnership with Giovanni.
Taking to her X and Instagram accounts, Debbie said: “I’m heartbroken for @pernicegiovann1.
“My memories of Strictly will always be happy and life changing. He nurtured me through my grief and gave me the confidence that I could do things I thought were beyond me.”
Her comments came shortly after claims Amanda, Ranvir, and Laura ‘swapped notes’ on their respective Strictly runs.
A source allegedly told The Sun: “All three had difficult experiences with Giovanni, who is well known to be intense during training. They met in person to share their experiences.
“Their meeting was emotional but heartwarming. They now know they are there to support each other after their tough times with Giovanni. Tears were shed.”
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Tipping Point Lucky Stars is on ITV1 Sunday August 25 at 4pm.
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