Is it ever OK to date a friend’s ex?

he Strictly rumour mill has gone into overdrive T yet again, after dance pro Giovanni Pernice, 28, reportedly enjoyed a string of cosy nights out with contestant Ashley Roberts, 37. The pair are both single, but Giovanni used to go out with Ashley’s friend, Corrie star Georgia May Foote, 27 – whom Ashley even comforted in the wake of their split. Meanwhile, presenter Zoe Ball, 47, is said to be “freaked out” that her ex Norman Cook, aka DJ Fat Boy Slim, 55, is now dating one of her pals, Nicola Lokka, 41. Zoe and Norman split in 2016 after 17 years of marriage, but while together they used to double-date with company manager Nicola and her now ex-husband, actor Mark Williams – and sources have said that Zoe feels it’s all a bit too close to home.

Dating a pal’s ex can put a strain on the closest friendships. So is it worth the risk? We talk to two writers with very different views…