Laura Whitmore was partnered with Giovanni Pernice as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ returned to television screens on Saturday evening (03.09.16).
The television presenter was paired with the Italian dancer and choreographer – who previously enjoyed a romance with his former ‘Strictly’ partner Georgia May Foote – as the couples for the upcoming series were announced in front of an excited studio audience.
The news of their paring comes only a few days after Georgia announced she had split from Giovanni.
And Laura has previously admitted to being up to finding love on the BBC One show.
She said at the time: "I did laugh when they were talking about your dance partner. I was like, ‘Is it dance partner or is it a future husband?’ Friends who have been on the show told me you make best friends for life. They said you do become close as your dance partner is such a big figure to you and you rely on them so much. So it’s not actually romantic. Then again, the show has made a lot of couples. How many relationships have come out of it? Quite a few."
Elsewhere on the show, the programme’s oldest contestant Lesley Joseph was partnered with ‘Strictly’ legend Anton Du Beke whilst model Daisy Lowe was teamed up with fan favourite Aljaž Skorjanec.
‘Hollyoaks’ actor Danny Mac was paired with Oti Mabuse and television presenter and DJ Melvin Odoom found out he’d be dancing with Janette Manrara.
Olympian Greg Rutherford will dance with Natalie Lowe whilst ‘Judge Rinder’ star Robert Rinder has been teamed up with ‘Strictly’ newcomer Oksana Dmytrenko.
‘EastEnders’ actress Tameka Empson will take to the dancefloor with Gorka Marquez whilst politician Ed Balls has been partnered with Katya Jones.
Will Young was teamed with Karen Clifton whilst her husband Kevin was partnered with Louise Redknapp.
Anastasia was matched with ‘Strictly’ superstar Brendan Cole.
The entire group then took to the dancefloor for the first time together where they performed an energetic routine to ‘Shake A Tail Feather’, promising an exciting series for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fans.
‘Strictly’ will return to screens on Friday 23 September.
Strictly Come Dancing couples revealed
