Strictly Come Dancing fans think Giovanni Pernice is “happy” he was booted off the BBC show.
The professional dancer and celebrity partner Richie Anderson became the second couple to be sent home on Sunday night.
Body language expert Judi James said Giovanni made a “race for the exit” after sharing an “awkward” goodbye with Radio 2 presenter Richie.
It comes after The Mirror exclusively revealed that Giovanni and Richie never really clicked and there was “tension” between them behind the scenes.
Their “lack of chemistry” was noted – in stark contrast to Giovanni’s winning turn with deaf EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis last year.
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And fans seemed to agree with one saying: “Giovanni is SO happy inside #Strictly.”
Another Strictly viewer tweeted: #Strictly I bet Giovanni is happy he doesn’t have to dance with that idiot anymore.”
“Congratulations Giovanni, he must be happy now, he managed to ruin everything #Strictly,” a third wrote.
Suggesting the pairing was off this year, a fourth commented: “I personally don’t think Giovanni has been happy with his pairing. He just looks so uncomfortable.”
A fifth chimed in: “It’s not nice to see anyone go. But someone has to go. This was the second time he was not that good and the partnership was obviously not working... Richie tried his best.”
“He’s a nice guy but the routine was shocking. Giovanni didn’t seem 100% happy or comfortable in the pair either. Love Tyler and Helen,” a sixth added.
Reports all was not well between Giovanni and Richie started when they sat separately from each other during Strictly spin-off It Takes Two.
They were each given armchairs while fellow contestants Kaye Adams, who was the first celebrity to leave the show, and partner Kai Widdrington sat close together on a sofa.
Richie was even forced to speak out about the alleged ‘feud’ with Giovanni in week one of the dance show.
Breaking his silence on the rumours, the radio host gushed about his partner on social media calling him an “amazing teacher”.
It followed claims Giovanni was increasingly frustrated with Richie for not listening to him during rehearsals.
Richie and Giovanni ended up in the bottom two this week along with Fleur East and her pro partner Vito.
But their Samba performance during Movie Week to The Lion King classic Hakuna Matata failed to impress the judges.
Speaking after his exit, Richie said: "Do you know what as a Strictly fan I always thought it was a magical thing to be a part of.
"I also want to thank this guy [Giovanni] as well, he’s been so amazing, and i feel so lucky that I’ve got to dance with you every day.”
"Not only are you a fantastic dancer but you are also a fantastic guy on top of that. I want to thank all my family and friends and my other half Dean who is in the audience, I love you so much."
Giovanni also added: "I have to say it’s been an honour to be able to dance with you because I know how much you love Strictly Come Dancing, you really are a super fan.
“And I’m glad that you got to do this experience and glad that I got to do it with you.
"It’s been a shame its been too short for us but I hope you’ve enjoyed every single second of it, and it stays in your heart forever. Look at us we’ve gone out dressed as Timon and Pumbaa. So lovely jubbly, well done Richie."
*Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One
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