Debbie McGee is "flattered" that people think Giovanni Pernice fancy her.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star set tongues wagging three weeks ago when she planted a kiss on the professional dancer’s lips during their routine – despite it not being choreographed – but she’s adamant there are no romantic feelings between them because he’s 30 years younger than her and they have a "great" friendship.
Writing in her column for the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the 58-year-old stage performer – who was married to the late Paul Daniels until his death last year – said: "I think it’s totally flattering that people think that Giovanni, who is 30 years younger, fancies me. I read all the headlines and it makes me laugh. We have a lovely friendship and a great chemistry, but going out with someone is totally different."
The pair – who have found themselves at the high end of the leaderboard every week thus far – will dance the cha-cha-cha to Cher’s ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ this weekend and Debbie has teased that there may even be another smooch on screen.
She quipped: "Let’s just say, there’s always a possibility for another kiss."
And the duo are thoroughly enjoying their training time at the moment.
Debbie explained: "I’ve had the giggles all week. Giovanni has discovered that I’m ticklish – he just has to poke me in the ribs and I’m gone. But it’s also because this week’s routine is hilarious: Giovanni is playing a delivery man and I’m a secretary."
But Debbie has found the routine this week somewhat challenging.
She added: "The cha-cha has been the hardest technique for me to pick up. You have to keep your legs straight and your hips loose."
Debbie McGee is ‘flattered’ by claims Giovanni Pernice fancies her
