‘Giovanni’s saved me after my year of grief’
Debbie Mcgee can’t get enough of Strictly life
‘Debbie’s a very beautiful lady’ Giovanni
Ever since Debbie Mcgee’s fierce opening dance on this year’s Strictly (complete with a quick flash of her knickers), we’ve been OBSESSED with her and her partner Giovanni Pernice, 27. It’s clear they’re both loving their time on the show, and it comes just over a year since Debbie, 59, lost her husband Paul Daniels. At this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, we caught up with our faves…
Debbie, you’ve been a revelation. What has this brought into your life?
Debbie: It’s given me a boost and brought a spark back into my life. The fact that I’ve met Giovanni is worth going on Strictly for. People write to me telling me they can’t believe what I’m doing having gone through a year of grief – I’ve had loads of messages from women saying they’d been sitting home crying, but are now going out. Giovanni, as Debbie was one of the older contestants, were you upset to be partnered with her? Giovanni: Not at all! We’re a great team. She’s an inspiration, not just for older people, but for everyone. At her age, plus the difficulties she had last year, it’s just incredible.
And what about all the romance rumours?
G: We are super-happy to be paired together, because we love each other. But there is no romance – we just respect each other a lot. Do you fancy her, though? G: She’s a very beautiful lady. Debbie, have you got more admirers since the show started? D: I haven’t got time for that! Has your body changed? D: It’s a bit tighter. It’s toned up, but I haven’t lost weight. Do you get nervous before judges’ comments? D: You can’t not. But what I’ve learned is when the judges have
criticised me, it’s because I wasn’t doing what Giovanni told me to do. Has Debbie got an unfair advantage due to her ballet training?
G: No. Obviously, she is a good dancer, but ballet is completely different to Latin and ballroom, and she has to pick up a new routine every week. It’s very hard and I’m so proud of her.