Daily Mirror

Strictly Katie: I’m going to be making a move on Giovanni!

Star hopes to be paired with Giovanni

- BY TOM BRYANT Head of Showbiz tom.bryant@mirror.co.uk

KATIE Piper has named Giovanni Pernice as her dream pro partner when she hits the floor in Strictly.

The TV presenter, 34, said she worries she has no natural rhythm – but is looking forward to the hit show’s “tan and makeover” treatment.

She will be competing 10 years after her horrific acid attack and thinks the show reflects how far she has come.

Katie said: “I think it gives a wider message that my past and the way I look is irrelevant. It’s so refreshing to be doing something so light-hearted and just so fun.

“I’d like to be with Giovanni. But I have no sway in that at all! So, Giovanni, if you’re watching, I’m coming for you.

“I’m nervous to put on my dancing shoes but can’t wait to learn a new skill and have the Strictly tan and makeover!”

On the challenge of being in the BBC hit, she said: “I’ve faced challenges before, so I’m going to try and apply the psychologi­cal mindset to it. Whatever happens, I hope to come away with a different type of confidence in a different area of my life.” Katie said before the stars were named, it was so secretive she could not use her name when arriving for fittings. She told BBC Breakfast: “I had a codename – Brie. Everyone was cheese. Brie is not too smelly, is it?” The mum of two said the only person she told was hubby Richard – who “thought I was joking”. Meanwhile, Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules is among the stars she will face. The 57-year-old said: “Having spent the last few months on two wheels motorcycli­ng around South America in pink leathers, I’m delighted to be getting back on two feet and into something more comfortabl­e like glittery spandex.” Strictly is back in the autumn and also features Steps singer Faye Tozer, 42, Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts, 36, This Morning’s Dr Ranj, 39, DJ Vick Hope, 28, cricketer Graeme Swann, 39, newsreader Kate Silverton, 48, Blue star Lee Ryan, 35, and YouTube sensation Joe Suggs, 26.

I’m nervous but can’t wait to have the tan and makeover KATIE PIPER ON TAKING PART IN HIT BBC SHOW

 ??  ?? ON THE SHOW Katie Piper yesterday and, inset, dance pro Giovanni
ON THE SHOW Katie Piper yesterday and, inset, dance pro Giovanni
 ??  ?? SECRET IS OUT Katie at the BBC studios yesterday
SECRET IS OUT Katie at the BBC studios yesterday
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? HOT FAVOURITE Giovanni with Debbie McGee last year
HOT FAVOURITE Giovanni with Debbie McGee last year
 ??  ?? GYMCREDIBL­E Katie shares pictures of her tough workouts ahead of show
GYMCREDIBL­E Katie shares pictures of her tough workouts ahead of show
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? COMPETITOR Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules
COMPETITOR Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules
 ??  ?? PARTNER With devoted hubby Richard Sutton
PARTNER With devoted hubby Richard Sutton

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