Strictly bosses are desperate to pair Katie McGlynn with Giovanni – but they risk upsetting Maura Higgins
STRICTLY bosses are desperate to pair sexy soap star Katie McGlynn with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice — but fear it could create a storm with his new girlfriend Maura Higgins.
Ex Coronation Street actress Katie was romantically linked to the Italian stallion five years ago.
He dated another Corrie actress, Georgia May Foote, 30, when he partnered her on the BBC1 contest in 2015.
Pairing Katie, 28, with Giovanni, 30, would create one of this year’s most sensational couples. But bosses are worried about making his home life unbearable with Love Island contestant Maura, also 30.
A TV insider said: “This would be a dream ticket for Strictly producers, but a potential nightmare for the trio concerned.
“The show’s bosses always strive to pair up pros and celebrities likely to have the most chemistry. In that respect, Giovanni and Katie are an obvious choice.
“But they have to consider if that could have the knock-on effect of making life so difficult outside of the rehearsal studio that it might impact on their performances.”
Giovanni, who dated Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts when she was on Strictly in 2018, was linked to Katie when they were seen at an awards party.
Speaking to The Sun in April, the actress known for playing Sinead Tinker on Corrie insisted they only met briefly. She added: “We weren’t dating.”
At the time, Giovanni had recently split from Georgia.
He started seeing Irish beauty Maura this year and the couple recently went public.
The pairings won’t be unveiled until next month’s launch show.
The BBC declined to comment.
