Giovanni Pernice is favourite to be paired with a male celeb on this year’s Strictly
ITALIAN stallion Giovanni Pernice is favourite to be paired with a male celeb.
And radio presenter Richie Anderson 34, who has already confirmed he is to appear with a man, is likely to be the professional’s partner.
It will be the second male duo on Strictly.
Last year baker John Whaite, 33, danced with Johannes Radebe, 35, and took second place.
In 2020, Katya Jones, 33, and boxing champion Nicola Adams, 39, became the show’s first same-sex pair.
Giovanni, 31, who at 5ft 10in stands two inches taller than Richie, has said: “If the production people come to me and say ‘listen Giovanni we’d love you to be partnered with a man’, I’d say ‘yes’.
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“I am more than ready to be partnered with a man.
“It would give me a chance to challenge myself with new routines, you have to think more about it.
"I love challenging myself.
A source said: “Giovanni is really keen for the challenge and wants to show fans he can dance just as well with a man as with a woman.
“He is extremely competitive and already has lots of ideas for the choreography.”
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Last year’s title went to Giovanni and EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 27, the first deaf contestant.
Giovanni has previously dated Love Island’s Maura Higgins, 31, and dancer Luba Mushtuk, 32.