Strictly Come Dancing bosses are facing a favouritism row – after reports that last year’s pro dancer winner will form the same-sex couple.
Giovanni Pernice won the series last year when he was paired up with Rose Ayling Ellis following a tense final with John Whaite and his pro partner Johannes Radebe.
But now Beeb bosses are reportedly pairing up Giovanni with BBC Radio 2’s Richie Anderson – with some arguing it’s a winning formula.
An insider has claimed that there’s feelings amongst colleagues that whoever landed the same-sex couple will “go all the way and win it”.
“Some of Gio’s fellow pros have raised eyebrows about chat of him getting Richie,” they told The Sun.
“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 show returns to screens in September and Richie is amongst a list of star-studded celebs hitting the dance floor.
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.
The row comes after The Mirror revealed exclusive photographs as the pro dancers filmed their opening scenes ahead of the show’s launch.
In the snaps, a number of the show's most well-known dancers including Gorka Marquez, Cameron Lombard, Johannes Radebe, Graziano and Nikita Kuzmin were seen looking relaxed as they took a moment away from filming.
All still in costume, the quintet were seen snapping pictures of each other on their mobile phones as they enjoyed the nice weather.
Helen was recently announced as the fifteenth star to sign up to the show.
She confessed she was keen to join the show for all the glitz and the glam - but admits she can't dance.
"I just wanted to wear nice dresses. I work on farms. I watch cows give birth and stand in wellies," she said. "I can’t decide whether it’s the best or worst thing I have ever agreed to.”
She added: And I haven’t even started yet. I agreed a few days ago… and they ask me, ‘Can I dance’, and I say, 'No… isn’t the point to go on it to learn to dance.'
“I can’t dance and I feel sick when I hear the theme tune."
