Strictly's Richie Anderson praises Giovanni Pernice as show rubbishes partnership 'tension' claims

Richie Anderson has heaped praise on 'amazing teacher' Giovanni Pernice after Strictly Come Dancing bosses have hit back at speculation that the pairing 'aren't clicking' behind the scenes.

After winning Strictly l ast year with Rose Ayling-Ellis, Giovanni was finally confirmed to be partnering Richie when the delayed launch show aired on Friday night, with Giovanni and Rose also reuniting for one last performance together. Then just 24 hours later, millions of viewers got to see Giovanni and Richie in action in the ballroom for the first time as they performed cha cha cha to Wham classic I'm Your Man.

The pair paid homage to George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's iconic Choose Life outfits, by donning Choose Dance t-shirts as they put on an entertaining display in front of the Strictly judges and studio audience, with the panel giving them a week one score of 23 out of 40.

READ MORE: Will Mellor sparks Strictly 'shake up' after blistering debut

Richie is clearly thrilled to have Giovanni as a partner but sources at Strictly are claiming that there have been some teething problems away from the cameras. One insider said: "'The pair haven't clicked. Richie is so swept up by the whole experience that he is talking 100 words a minute, and it can be hard for Giovanni. HE's to9ld friends that Richie talks instead of listening during training, and it is frustrating.'

Speaking to Mail Online, a spokesperson for Strictly rubbished the claims, hitting back by saying: " 'Talk of them not getting on is nonsense. They are having such a laugh and were thrilled at the reaction on Saturday night.'

Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice during the first Strictly live show (PA)

And there's been nothing bit positivity from RIchie who excitedly shared a clip of his and Giovanni's routine from Saturday night on his Instagram grid and wrote: ""A moment I’ll never forget and so lucky I got to share it with @pernicegiovann1.

"Thank you Gio for being the best teacher over the past fortnight. Plenty of feedback from the judges to take on board, can’t wait to get back in the training room."

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