Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice doubled down on denials he's feuding with Richie Anderson behind the scenes.
The pair scored a huge 32 out of 40 for their energetic routine last week, but away from the dancefloor, the pair have been subjected to rumours about their friendship. Sources claimed the pair were struggling in rehearsals, but Giovanni hit back at the claims, insisting the two of them get on really well as he praised the radio DJ for his commitment to training.
As they appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two today, the duo chatted about being the all-male partnership on the show this year. Whilst Giovanni described it as a "challenge", he explained how he is both "pleased and privileged" to work with Richie.
Speaking to host Rylan Clark, he said: "Actually, I enjoy it to be fair. I see me in the 'girl' position and I'm like, I look good.
"I enjoy it because it gives me an opportunity to squeeze my brain and makes this kind of choreography that brings the best of Richie and at the same time is new for me, so I'm very pleased and privileged to be able to do it."
Giovanni also explained how the pair are working on calming Richie down, as he finds the adrenalin pumping through him when he goes to perform and that can usually lead to excitement on stage.
Last week, the professional dancer insisted rumours of him and Richie being locked in a feud were untrue.
Speaking on the show, Giovanni said: "We are having a good, we're definitely having a good time. Obviously it's a dance competition at the end of the day so we have to learn something. But there is no problem. Where is the camera?
"There is no problem between us, we are having a good time. So forget about what you are writing, it's not true."
Body language expert Judi James has also given her verdict on the very public denial of a 'feud' between the pair, admitting there is still a lack of chemistry between the dancing duo despite his denial.
"The problem for Giovanni is that, despite his sturdy denial that involved him finding and then staring down the camera lens to perform, the body language between them does seem to suggest that they haven’t yet hit their ‘sweet spot’ in terms of synchronicity, chemistry and visual rapport as a dance duo," Judi revealed.
"Their body language was equally contrasting, with Richie’s knees splayed in a gesture of keen confidence, his hands hanging loosely between them and a big grin on his face. Giovanni sat with his feet shoved beneath his seat and hands clasped, looking subdued."
