Skip to main contentSkip to footer
debbie mcgee giovanni pernice strictly2© Photo: BBC

Giovanni Pernice's 'secret girlfriend' jealous over bond with Strictly's Debbie McGee

Giovanni is allegedly dating Latin dance champion Luba Mushtuk

Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
November 15, 2017
Share this:

Giovanni Pernice's 'secret girlfriend' is said to be jealous of his close connection with his Strictly dance partner Debbie McGee. Luba Mushtuk danced with 27-year-old Giovanni on his previous tour and the pair have been close for a number of years. However, his bond with 59-year-old Debbie has sparked rumours of a romance in recent weeks – and Luba is not happy. "Luba and Giovanni are together," a Strictly source confirmed to the Sun. "But she doesn't like Debbie because of their bond – she feels how much Gio cares for her.

"It's also upsetting as she would like their romance to be out in the open. Luba is very keen to be on the show one day. She assists with choreography. But that means she has to spend a lot of time watching Giovanni rehearse with Debbie, which can be uncomfortable for her."

STORY: Ryan Giggs breaks silence on relationship with Strictly's Gemma Atkinson

giovanni pernice luba mushtuk© Photo: Instagram

Giovanni Pernice and Luba Mushtuk worked together on his 2017 dance tour

Debbie and Giovanni have wowed both the judges and the audience with their dance routines this year, and are one of the favourites to lift the coveted glitterball trophy – but it's their sizzling chemistry on the dance floor that has really got the nation talking. Giovanni, who is 32 years younger than Debbie, recently fuelled rumours of a romance as he spoke about his deep connection with the star. "I've got the winning partner, not just in this competition, but for the rest of my life," the Italian dancer told the Mirror. "Debbie has to be the best person I've met in this country so far. She is just amazing."

debbie mcgee giovanni pernice strictly1© Photo: BBC

The Strictly star has fuelled rumours of a romance with Debbie McGee

Debbie – widow of magician Paul Daniels – has also previously touched upon the romance rumours. "I absolutely adore him and I have no doubt that he adores me," she said in an interview with Bella magazine. "We have a great working dance partnership and we really love each other as human beings, so I can see why people want to say there is something going on.

"We have great chemistry and love dancing together. But there's nothing going on." She continued: "For a woman of my age, it makes me feel fantastic. To be nearly 60 and have people think I'd be having an affair with such a good-looking Italian is good for one's confidence!"

STORY: Strictly's Alexandra Burke & Gorka Marquez: the truth behind 'feud' rumours

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more