Debbie: Gio is Per-fect for me

DEBBIE McGee and Giovanni Pernice have admitted: “We love each other.”

Their chemistry on Strictly was so convincing fans speculated they were enjoying a romance behind the scenes.

Now they have opened up about their real feelings for each other.

A beaming Giovanni, 27, told the Daily Star Sunday: “Debbie is the most beautiful partner. We have the best connection you could ask for. We love each other.

“We have been super happy to be together on the show. It’s just us. We enjoy the time together. She teaches me a lot about life. So for me it has been amazing because I enjoy every single day.”

Debbie, 58, added: “My experience on the show has been nothing but happiness. I’ve loved everything about it and mostly because of Giovanni.”

Debbie was crippled by grief when husband Paul died from a brain tumour in early 2016. But she is back to her best – and thanks Giovanni for making it possible.

Debbie said: “He’s taught me a lot more than just learning to dance. He has nurtured me through such a lot…I can’t imagine having done it without having him as a partner. After Paul died I kind of lost who I was, and I think Strictly has given me my confidence back. “I’ll remember my Strictly experience as just being a time that brought happiness back into my life. Giovanni gives me loads of confidence. It’s really brought a sparkle back into my life.”

Debbie has had scores of messages from older women who say she has inspired them. But Giovanni reckons she has even more to be proud of. He said: “Debbie is an inspiration to everybody. She’s an inspiration to me and I’m 27. So it’s not just older ladies who are inspired by her. I’m really, really proud of her.”