Reports suggest the celebrity partner Giovanni Pernice will be dancing with in this year's series of BBC Strictly Come Dancing has been confirmed.
However, the news has led to some suggestions of a favouritism row is brewing - as Giovanni becomes favourite to lift the trophy once again, Birmingham Live reports.
The series returns in September. Radio 2’s Richie Anderson will reportedly be paired up with the reigning champion, according to reports on Friday.
The 34-year-old TV and radio personality will reportedly dance in an all-male partnership in the forthcoming series. He is a regular fixture on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show, presenting the travel bulletins, and has also hosted a variety of programmes himself.
Helen Skelton may have accidentally announced Strictly partner - read more here.
Previously announced contestants include Helen Skelton, EastEnders star James Bye, singer Fleur East, Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor, and Bros singer Matt Goss. The line up is completed by Kiss radio host Tyler West, Former England footballer Tony Adams and Britain's Got Talent finalist Molly Rainford.
Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, comedian and actress Jayde Adams, Coronation Street actors Will Mellor and Kym Marsh, Loose Women star Kaye Adams, and Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin will also compete.
Giovanni was paired up with Rose Ayling Ellis last year. The pair won the series, after a tense final with John Whaite and his pro partner Johannes Radebe.
An insider told the Sun newspaper: “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.”
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