Debbie McGee, 60, who appeared on the BBC series of Strictly Come Dancing, formed a close bond with the professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice, 28, when they performed on the show two years ago. And the two still appear to have a great friendship as the BBC Radio Berkshire DJ took to the micro-blogging site to gush over the Italian hunk in a sweet post today. In view of her 41,500, the Strictly finalist retweeted a post from Giovanni’s account where he initially praised his former dance partner. He wrote: “Love ya partner,” followed by heart emoji. Debbie replied: “Love ya too.”(sic)
It comes after Debbie attended Giovanni’s show with his co-stars Gorka Marquez, 28, and Aljaž Škorjanec, 29, for their nationwide tour Here Comes The Boys.
Sharing a snap backstage at the event earlier this week, Debbie could be seen holding her pal in a warm embrace.
She captioned the post: “@pernicegiovann1 & Flexi McGee back together again, backstage Newcastle Theatre Royal. Here Come The Boys is fabulous, what a show. Love you all Gio, @AljazSkorjanec @gorkamarquez1.”
Fans rushed to comment on the snap, as one person said: “Such lovely picture of you both. Love the friendship you guys have.”
Another person commented: “Love this so much. My fave ever Strictly dance couple, What a wonderful friendship you have.”(sic)
While a third person added: “My favourite couple on Strictly always and forever.”
During her stint on the much-loved BBC show, the pair were even subject to romance rumours, although they both maintained their relationship was purely platonic.
The small-screen star recently opened up about their friendship, telling The Sun they “adore” each other.
She told the publication: “We have a very special relationship because we absolutely adore each other, but it certainly wasn’t a romance.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
Debbie and Giovanni went all the way to the final of Strictly 2017, losing out on the Glitterball trophy to Joe McFadden, 43, and Katya Jones, 30.
The star was married to magician Paul Daniels until his death in 2016.
Giovanni recently confirmed his romance with Strictly 2018 star Ashley Roberts, 37, with both parties having previously denied they were more than friends.