Strictly star Michelle Visage ‘deeply unhappy’ on the show after clashing with dancer Giovanni Pernice
STRICTLY star Michelle Visage has told pals she is unhappy on the show after a series of backstage rows with dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
The American TV personality, 51, became a favourite with viewers earlier in the series due to her confidence and natural ability.
But she was in the bottom two last weekend and sources say the atmosphere off-screen is tense.
A string of clashes in training has led to a strained relationship with Giovanni, 29, leading to fears it will hit her chances of winning.
A source said: “Michelle has become quite unhappy at times. She has a fiery relationship with Giovanni.
They have been locking horns since the start.
“Both are very strong characters and they’ve both had a lot to say. He’s probably not used to a partner being quite so in control and calling the shots.”
Michelle, who is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015, has admitted the pair are “at each other’s throats”.
But she said she hoped their passion would lead to better dance performances.
She added: “We’re both Italian. We’re both intense. We’re both Virgos. So there’s a perfectionist level that’s really ridiculous between us.
“He wants it quicker than I’m able to provide it.
“So Mondays and Tuesdays is a lot of us at each other’s throats. By the end of the week, we’re totally in love with each other again and it’s fine.
“I’ve never walked out. We just like to fight. We like to fight it out, but it’s just that’s all in love. Our relationship is very fiery. It is weird, but it’s perfect.”
Giovanni, who has been second on Strictly three times, is said to have also clashed last series with Steps singer Faye Tozer, 43.
But sources again insisted he was just “extremely competitive”.
Responding to claims she is not enjoying working with Giovanni, Michelle told The Sun the pair are having “fun and laughs” and are “thrilled” to be dancing together in Blackpool.
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