Ashley Roberts insists she "trusts" boyfriend Giovanni Pernice ahead of him returning for the new ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ series.
The 37-year-old singer got together with the ‘Strictly’ professional while she was competing on the Latin and ballroom series last year, during which she danced alongside pro Pasha Kovalev, and says she isn’t concerned about the show’s so-called curse even if he is partnered with an attractive woman.
When asked if she would be worried if Giovanni gets partnered up with a "hot woman", she said: "That is a good question, but I do trust him.
"I feel like we have a real connection. He is also really supportive and he’s so excited I’m doing ‘The Waitress’. He’s like, ‘I’m going to be there on the first night.’
"We weren’t partnered up. We ended up having a bit of a romance on the show but it evolved into something so much bigger after that."
Ashley feels grateful to the show for giving her the "inspiration" to dance more, which has led to her signing up to Sara Bareilles’ hit musical ‘Waitress’ for her West End debut.
Speaking on ‘Good Morning Britain’, she added: "I think doing ‘Strictly’ really gave me that inspiration to get out there and perform like this.
"It’s such a fantastic show, so I’m really excited to show everybody that I can do a little bit of it all.
"I’m nervous excited. I’m excited to get out there and perform."
Musical star Lucie Jones will take on the role of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage, while Ashley will play Jenna’s workmate Dawn in the production.
Ashley and Lucie will team up for the production from Monday 17 June, and the show also stars Marisha Wallace as Becky, Peter Hannah as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Shaun Prendergast as Old Joe.
Ashley Roberts ‘trusts’ boyfriend Giovanni Pernice ahead of Strictly
