Debbie McGee has addressed the reports that she’s been having a secret romance off-screen with Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice.
Speaking to Bella magazine, Debbie said: “We have a great working dance partnership and we really love each other as human beings, so I can see why people want to say there is something going on.”
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The star continued: “We have great chemistry and love dancing together. But there’s nothing going on.”
However Debbie, who is the widow of the late Paul Daniels, said that the speculation has given her a great confidence boost.
“For a woman of my age, it makes me feel fantastic,” she commented. “To be nearly 60 and have people think I’d be having an affair with such a good-looking Italian is good for one’s confidence!”
The 58-year-old admitted, however, that she has been dreaming about her 27-year-old dance partner on last night’s Strictly: It Takes Two show.
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Presenter Zoe Ball asked about the pair’s Charleston that they’ll be performing on tonight’s show, which includes a move called the ‘swivel’.
Debbie insisted: “We have to get Giovanni to say swivel. I’ve been dreaming of Giovanni saying swivel!”
The professional dancer, who is originally from Sicily, Italy then repeated the word in his charming accent.
Debbie’s not the only contestant who’s had to fight off romance rumours this year. The Saturdays’ Mollie King has repeatedly had to shut down speculation that she’s dating partner AJ Pritchard.
Rumours of a romance were sparked when the two posted a number of affectionate social media posts to each other.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One.