Debbie McGee: Strictly star reveals 'electricity' with Giovanni Pernice 'It's special'

The 60-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing finalist formed a close bond with Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice, 28, when they were paired together on the BBC show in 2017. At the time, they denied rumours of romance between them, insisting they were just good friends. Now, Debbie McGee has spoken candidly about the relationship she has with the hunky Strictly pro. “We have a very special relationship because we absolutely adore each other, but it certainly wasn’t a romance,” she told The Sun.

“Once or twice in your life, you meet someone you totally respect, you totally get on with,” she continued. “I can’t describe what it is or why it happens.

“Every time I saw Giovanni last year — and when I danced with him on his tour — there’s some sort of electricity that happens that I can’t describe.

“It just happens with us,” Debbie explained. “We’re so happy to be together but it’s not romance. It’s just this special friendship and I know we would always be there for each other.”

Giovanni recently confirmed his romance with Strictly 2018 star Ashley Roberts, 37, both parties having previously denied they were more than friends.

They enjoyed a getaway to Miami over Christmas and have also been pictured smooching on the Strictly live tour this month.

Debbie also said she has not been on a date since her husband Paul Daniels’ death almost three years ago.

The famous magician died just weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He and Debbie had been married for nearly 30 years.

The Strictly star and radio host went on to speak about her recent surgery to remove two tumours after doctors found cancerous tissue in her left breast during a routine screening.

“I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world. It’s made me think even more to make the most of today and I would say I’m open to finding love again,” she said.

“It’s the same with my career. I let things happen and that’s what I think about meeting someone else.

“If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. But how wonderful if it did,” Debbie added.

She told the publication she put her diagnosis down to the stress and grief she experienced after losing Paul.

Since the surgery, doctors have given her the all-clear but will continue to monitor her to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned.

Debbie made it to the Strictly 2017 final with Giovanni and credited the show with helping bring back her “sparkle” after Paul’s death.

“When Paul died I completely lastly sparkle,” she said at the time. “Strictly has given me my strength and the feeling of happiness back.”

source: express.co.uk