John Whaite slams critic for 'vitriolic' comments about Giovanni Pernice & partner Richie

FANS were left confused last night after Strictly couple Giovanni Pernice and Richie Anderson sit SEPARATELY on It Takes Two. The pair - who dance together on the BBC competition - were separated during the show, while all the other celebrities sat side-by-side with their professional partners.

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.

Peter Andre has slammed those who have criticised Strictly Come Dancing for being “too woke” and said “they’re overdoing it”.The BBC One dancing show recently came under fire for its same sex partnerships and the diversity of the contestants. Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson is partnered with Giovanni Pernice, while comedian Jayde Adams is in a pairing with Karen Hauer.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were in floods of tears this weekend as they spotted professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s nod to his previous partner Rose Ayling-Ellis.The pair were partnered for the 2021 series and lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy together after a series of incredible routines, including a moment of silent dancing as a nod to Rose’s experiences as a Deaf woman.This year, Giovanni is partnered up with Richie Anderson, and were lucky enough to make it through another tough week after Kaye Adams found herself on the wrong side of the dance-off. READ MORE: Strictly’s Kaye Adams makes X-rated confession after wild training session The first week in October saw celebs’ scores combined with what they got last week, before anyone was axed from the programme.The judges’ scores were then combined with a public vote, with Kaye Adams and Matt Goss finally deemed to be in the dance-off.But during the tense moment in which the celebs and their professional partners gathered to hear the results, Giovanni couldn’t resist paying a sweet tribute to his previous partner.Giovanni and radio DJ Richie thanked fans three times in British Sign Language after learning they would be dancing again next week.The sign involves tipping the fingers of one hand from the chin downwards to mean ‘thank you’.At home, viewers found the gesture to last year’s winner incredibly moving, as one fan commented on Twitter: “Giovanni still saying thank you in BSL got me all up in my emotions!”“I’m glad Giovanni is still doing the BSL for thank you,” someone else posted with a row of crying emojis.A third penned: “First Giovanni thank you of the season and he’s STILL SIGNING IT!”For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you

STRICTLY star Richie Anderson has revealed "gruesome" injuries ahead of tonight's second performance. Radio 2 host Richie, 34, who is partnered with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, said the gruelling training has left him with some grim feet injuries. "I’ve lost two toenails.

Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Kaye Adams has joked about falling victim to the so-called Strictly Come Dancing curse.The 59-year-old, who is in a long-term relationship with Ian Campbell, said it would be "a miracle" for her if it happened. The Strictly curse is a phenomenon used to describe when pros or contestants split from their off-screen partners during or shortly after their time on the show.Due to the harsh schedules, spending every day with their dance partners and performing sexy routines together, it can sometimes make romances suffer.Speaking to Clive Anderson on his My Seven Wonders podcast, Kaye discussed being signed up to this year's Strictly before knowing who her dance partner would be.After expressing her worries to hit the dance floor, Clive reassured her that she'd at least have more knowledge of dancing by the time the series ends.Naga Munchetty 'let off steam' after furious BBC Breakfast backlashHe went on to add: "You'd [also] probably have an affair with the dancing instructor and you might've won."Kaye replied: "The one question I get is, 'Are you worried about the Strictly curse?' I say, 'It'll be the b****y Strictly miracle'."I'm not worried about it all, bring it on!"On whether there was a particular pro she had in mind, the Loose Women star said she wouldn't want "a young Italian stud".The journalist was seemingly referring to Italian pros Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice, who won the show with Rose Ayling-Ellis last year."I think it will just discombobulate me at this age," Kaye added.

Giovanni Pernice has hit back at claims that he and Richie Anderson haven't "clicked" after being paired together on this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing. Giovanni, 32, and radio host Richie, 34, appeared on spin-off show It Takes Two where they appeared to address claims of a feud between them. Host Janette Manrara asked them how training has been going following the first live show on 24 September, to which Giovanni replied: "We’re having a good time, we’re definitely having a good time.

Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice has called his dance partner Richie Anderson a "perfect student" as rumours of tension rumble on.The duo are dancing together in the BBC ballroom contest in a same-sex partnership.And just days into the competition there is already speculation about what's going on behind the scenes, with a source telling The Sun that Giovanni and Richie "haven't clicked".READ MORE: Helen Skelton tried to do runner from Strictly by fleeing through fire door before showHowever, there was no sign of that as they unveiled a cute video on Instagram of them dancing.In the clip, Gio introduces the Radio 2 presenter by saying: "Ladies and gentlemen it's Giovanni and Richie here, and today my perfect student now slash best teacher in the world is going to teach you a Cha Cha Cha."Richie then showed off his moves, bouncing through a Cha Cha Cha and demonstrating what to do with your knees and hips as Giovanni looked on proudly."Shoulders back, arms out, point your toes," said Richie, muttering "pesto, pasta, pesto..." to help him keep time.Smiling, he asked Giovanni if he gave him a score of 10."Eleven!" the dancer replied.At the end, the pair clutched hands in a traditional ballroom stance as they urged fans: "Keep dancing!"Strictly viewers were charmed by the video, calling it "too cute" and saying that Giovanni and Richie had "got this"."I hope the rumours are false," said one fan.Rumours of backstage troubles have been swirling for days, with The Sun quoting a source as saying: "The pair haven't clicked.

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Richie Anderson and his pro partner Giovanni Pernice looked deep in thought as they left rehearsals separately yesterday. Radio 2 host Richie was seen heading to lunch alone amid reports they have had a rocky start to the competition.

Strictly Come Dancing's Richie Anderson had been plagued by rumours that he "hadn't clicked" with his dance partner Giovanni Pernice, who won the Glitterball trophy last year along with Rose Ayling-Ellis. However, the 34-year-old quickly refuted the rumour with a gushing Instagram tribute thanking the Italian dance pro for his partnership.Sharing a clip from the Strictly launch show with almost 50,000 followers, Richie wrote: "A moment I'll never forget and so grateful I got to share it with @giovannipernice."He praised: "Thank you Gio for being the most amazing teacher over the past fortnight.

Strictly Come Dancing star Richie Anderson has spoken out following claims he's not getting on with professional partner Giovanni Pernice.The 34-year-old radio presenter took to his Instagram page on Sunday to share a video of them together alongside a sweet message. Underneath the clip of them dancing the Cha Cha Cham, he penned: "A moment I'll never forget and so grateful I got to share it with Giovanni.READ MORE: Strictly slammed by fans as they share same complaint about 'awful' Neil Jones decision"Thank you Gio for being the most amazing teacher over the past fortnight.

HELEN Skelton's ex Richie Myler has broken his silence following the TV presenter's Strictly debut. The Countryfile presenter, 39, was left shattered when her rugby husband Richie ended their eight-year marriage in April, four months after their third child was born.  The 32-year-old moved on very quickly from his failed marriage with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32, the daughter of multi-millionaire Andrew Thirkill.  And last night as Helen put on a spectacular performance on the dance floor, Richie made a dig at his ex on Instagram.

Strictly Come Dancing pair Giovanni Pernice and Richie Anderson have reportedly got off to a rocky start following claims the professional is "frustrated" with his partner.Reigning champion Giovanni, 32, and the radio personality are one of two same-sex couples on this years series along with Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer.A source revealed to The Sun that the pair have "failed to click", adding that Richie is not listening to him during rehearsals.READ MORE: Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood defends Matt Goss after Anton Du Beke's catty remark"The pair haven’t clicked. Richie is so swept up by the whole experience that he is talking 100 words a minute, and it can be hard for Giovanni," the insider said.They continued: “He has told pals that Richie talks instead of listening during training, and it is frustrating.”The source went on to say that the pair are still getting used to each other, adding: "Giovanni thinks Richie has real potential in the competition." Giovanni and Richie are the second all-male partnership in Strictly history after Johannes Radebe and John Whaite who finished in second place in last years competition behind Giovanni and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.

GIOVANNI Pernice and partner Richie Anderson have already got off to a rocky start on the dance floor — with tensions building at rehearsals. Sources told how reigning champ Giovanni, 32, has struggled to get his points across to Radio 2 host Richie, 34, who is “extremely over-excited” to be taking part.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were in for a treat during this year’s launch episode on Friday. As the partnerships for the coming series were announced, last year’s winners Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice reunited for a stunning performance.The pair looked like the winners they were as they started their performance with a conversation in British Sign Language before an incredibly moving dance to Alicia Keys’ “Fallin” that had viewers in tears. Strictly fans took to social media to share their awe at the winners for their dance with one saying: “Rose and Giovanni still have my heart,” and before their performance one said: “Can’t wait to cry over rose and giovanni again xxx”.

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have praised the show for having two same-sex couples for this year’s series. 2021 winner Giovanni Pernice has been paired up with Richie Anderson, while comedian Jayde Adams will be dancing with Karen Hauer. People have since applauded the pairings, and branded them as “historic”.

Strictly Come Dancing kicked off with an incredible launch episode on Friday that saw this year’s contestants pair up with the dancing pros and an exciting first group dance. Among the pairings for the 2022 series was Radio 2’s DJ Richie Anderson, who previously called going on the show a “dream come true”. At the time of his announcement on the show Richie, 34, spoke out about the importance of himself going on the show and being part of an all-male pair.

Strictly Come Dancing reigning champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice have reunited for a sultry final dance together- and viewers cannot cope.Appearing on the launch show, the EastEnders actress and Strictly pro reunited for a final time on the programme.The beloved winners performed a Viennese Waltz where they started off with sign language before dancing together.READ NEXT: BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers spot huge audience blunder as fans return to studioBefore the pair took to the dancefloor, Rose announced that this would be the final time the duo dance together on Strictly Come Dancing.When they took to the dancefloor together, the pair put on a performance to remember when they waltzed around the studio together.Arm in arm, the much-loved winners looked right at home to be in each other's embrace and dancing with one another once more. Fans of the dancing duo were quick to gush over the perfect pairing, with many getting tearful over the reunion."Ah Rose and Gio making me cry once again," penned one viewer."Rose and Giovanni’s partnership was one of the best #Strictly had ever seen by a mile, and last years series was the best EVER.

Strictly Come Dancing champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice undeniably share a close bond, having won the nation's hearts with their iconic silent dancer routine last year. With the new series set to kick off on Friday, we take a look at Rose and Giovanni's friendship after they made Strictly history when they lifted the glitterball trophy in December 2021.MORE: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice lark around in behind-the-scenes photoOver the past year, Rose, 27, and Giovanni, 32, have proved their friendship is unbreakable. They often get candid about their fondness for each other during interviews and keep fans entertained with their backstage antics on social media.WATCH: Giovanni Pernice kisses Strictly partner Rose Ayling-EllisHere at HELLO!, we previously chatted to body language expert Darren Stanton, on behalf of Betfair Casino, about their wonderful friendship and why the public love them so much.MORE: Giovanni Pernice talks sizzling chemistry with Rose Ayling-Ellis after dedicating tattoo to herMORE: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice spark reaction with near kiss during rehearsals"What you see is very much what you get with Rose and I believe that's why the public have taken her into their hearts," he explained in January.