Friday 19 August 2022 09:22 PM Strictly's Giovanni Pernice 'in favouritism row as BBC bosses plan to pair him ... trends now
Giovanni Pernice has reportedly been engulfed in a favouritism row as Strictly Come Dancing bosses plan to pair him with Richie Anderson in a same-sex couple.
The ballroom pro, 31, who won last year's series with Rose Ayling-Ellis, 27, has allegedly 'raised eyebrows' among his peers who believe he will 'sail' through the rounds again.
It had already been confirmed that Richie, 34, would be partnered with another male, which will see him follow in the footsteps of Nicola Adams and 2021 runner-up, John Whaite.
Uh-oh: Giovanni Pernice (pictured) has reportedly been engulfed in a favouritism row as Strictly Come Dancing bosses plan to pair him with Richie Anderson in a same-sex couple
A source told The Sun: 'Some of Gio's fellow pros have raised eyebrows about chat of him getting Richie.
'The last two same sex couples have done really well and the feeling is that whoever gets Richie could go all the way and win it.
'Winning two on the bounce would be great for Gio — but not all of his colleagues feel the same way.'
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Exciting: It had already been confirmed that Richie, 34, (pictured) would be partnered with another male, which will see him follow in the footsteps of Nicola Adams and John Whaite
It comes after Helen Skelton was the final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The TV and radio broadcaster, 39, was widely tipped to be taking part in the BBC ballroom show and her spot on the programme has now been confirmed as she completes the full celebrity line-up.
It was revealed on Saturday morning on BBC Radio 2 during Claudia Winkleman's breakfast show that Helen - who split from husband Richie Myler earlier this year - would be appearing on the show.
Helen said: 'I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started.'
Victorious: The ballroom pro, 31, who won last year's series with Rose Ayling-Ellis , 27, has allegedly 'raised eyebrows' among his peers who believe he will 'sail' through the rounds again (pictured in December 2021)
EastEnders actor James Bye, 38, - who has played the role of Martin Fowler in the BBC show since 2014 - was previously announced as the 14th star.
It comes after former X Factor star Fleur East and Countryfile star Hamza Yassin were revealed as the 12th and 13th stars on Thursday - joining earlier announced stars Kym Marsh, Will Mellor and Jayde Adams among others.
On Friday soap star James joked he is ready to show off his 'dad dancing' when he heads to the ballroom later this year.
As he was announced James said: 'I'm not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it's an honour to be asked and I'm going to give it my best shot.
'There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it's truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I'd love to do everyone proud.'
It comes after Wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza was announced as the 13th contestant joining the Strictly Come Dancing line-up on Thursday.
Hamza - who is one of the presenters of BBC's Animal Park and a guest presenter on Countryfile - joined former X Factor star Fleur in being revealed as celebrities set to appear on the dance show on Thursday.
Jealous: A source said: 'Some of Gio's fellow pros have raised eyebrows about chat of him getting Richie' (pictured)
It comes amid claims that BBC bosses fear they are running out of celebrities as Strictly approaches its 20th series.
Hamza Yassin said: 'I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I'd be on such a cool show. I've been watching it for years and
