Faye will never be a cha-cha-cheater Steps pal laughs off curse of Strictly
Rockett’s review
A BANDMATE of underfire Faye Tozer has leaped to the defence of the Strictly contestant.
Photos of married Faye enjoying an intimate, boozy café lunch with her single pro partner Giovanni Pernice, 28, sparked speculation about the pair. During the meal, to celebrate her 43rd birthday, he wiped food from her mouth.
Faye has since admitted the show has put a strain on her marriage. She said: “It’s always tricky being away from home. You just have to keep your head above water.”
But her Steps bandmate Claire Richards laughed off suggestions her pal is about to become the latest victim of the Strictly curse. Claire, 42, insisted Faye’s nine-year marriage to Michael Smith is rock solid. She said: “It’s silly. Absolutely no way. She knows her own mind and she’s not stupid.
“They are absolutely 100 per cent and it’s coming up to their wedding anniversary soon.”
Michael also mocked the romance rumours, sharing an Instagram selfie with pasta on his face and the caption: “Where’s @pernicegiovann1 when you need him? Help me out @ fayetozersmith.”
And Faye wrote on social media: “A very Happy Birthday to my gorgeous hubby @mick_smith_ who has been the most incredible support and held the fort for the last 3 months! Thank you!! You rock baby!! Love you most.” Claire, performing her new record Wildest Dreams at a London baking show, said that Giovanni will keep Faye training hard.
But she is worried about Faye’s weight loss and is unsure if she will win. Claire added: “She is great and doing so well, dancing wise there isn’t much she can do except keep going.”
Michael and Faye, whose 2009 marriage was televised on Channel 4, have a son aged nine. She said they are used to working away from each other.
Michael added: “I’ve sat through shows when Faye’s had to kiss people on stage. To me, it’s just another job.” Our queen of the dance floor KAREN ROCKETT gives her verdict
Poor Graeme. No grown man should ever have to wear a sailor suit. But he made a decent job of the quickstep – although it wasn’t plain sailing. He could be washed up in the dance-off. With lindy hop combined total
Another star turn from Ashley. It is difficult to find fault with her but I’m going to try! It was a bit too forced and furious. She tries so hard it makes me tired to watch. Relax a bit! It’s the samba after all.
So dramatic and romantic! I’m swooning at your choreography, Giovanni. This was the best waltz of the series. Faye is so graceful and natural. A flawless dance that made excited Bruno fall off his chair...again!
A rather gimmicky street routine for Joe and Dianne’s Couple’s Choice. I wasn’t keen on the break-dancing and endless props. Great shoulder stand! Call me an old fogey but it just wasn’t Strictly enough for me.
That was a mean, moody face, Charles, for your tango, and I loved the final fight sequence at the end. But it wasn’t quite powerful enough for me. Not a bad effort though, and Craig’s score was as harsh as your face! I absolutely loved this paso doble, from the Spanish guitar to Stacey’s fantastic flamenco dress. Atmospheric and dramatic. A standing ovation. Fierce and furious – the best dance of the night. Olé!
A sexy, fun salsa with a couple of daring lifts but sometimes Lauren lost the energy and the rhythm of the dance. Her top half worked better than her bottom half and her footwork was a bit messy.