A favouritism row has reportedly broken out in the Strictly Coming Dancing camp ahead of the return of the hit BBC series. It follows claims that Giovanni Pernice has been chosen to partner celebrity Richie Anderson as a same-sex dance couple.
According to press reports, fellow professional dancers are said to be worried that Giovanni will sail through to the final due to the popularity of same-sex dancing, the Mirror reports. Rumours of who will be partnered with who have been swirling around in recent days.
Helen Skelton, Fleur East, Tony Adams and Matt Goss are some of the celebrities who will be competing for the 2022 glitterball. It has been reported that Giovanni - who won last series with soap actress Rose Ayling-Ellis - will be paired with Radio 2's Richie Anderson.
A source said to The Sun: "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."
The Mirror have contacted Strictly representatives asking for comment.
Rose and Gio won Strictly’s glitterball trophy last year alongside professional partner Giovanni, marking a historic win on the BBC One show as she became the first deaf contestant to take part. The pair later won the must-see moment award at the Baftas for their silent dance on the show.
