BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice responds to claims he's not getting on with Richie Anderson

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice used his latest TV opportunity to hit back at claims things aren't quite rosy behind-the-scenes with Richie Anderson. The Italian dancer and BBC Radio 2 are one of two same-sex couples on this year's series.

Reigning champion Giovanni and Richie delivered an energetic cha cha cha to I’m Your Man by Wham! for their first routine on the hit BBC One dance contest on Saturday night during week one of the 20th series.

Wearing matching T-Shirts that said ‘Choose Dance’, the new partnership received a score of 23 from the judges - Mostsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas - with Richie's Strictly superfan mum also giving him an additional top score of 10.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton say she's 'trying to be sexy' as she shows sore feet in training

"For a moment I thought I was at RuPaul’s Drag Race darling”, Craig said during his comments, adding that he thought it was stiff but gave him "full marks for entertainment".

But despite getting off to a solid start, there were reports Giovanni and Richie weren't quite 'clicking' off-screen. it comes after fans fell in love with the Strictly pro and his winning partner Rose Ayling-Ellis last year thanks to their connection in the ballroom.

Giovanni, 32, and radio host Richie, 34, appeared on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two on Wednesday evening (September 28) where they appeared to address claims of a feud between them. Host Janette Manrara asked them how training has been going following the first live show to which Giovanni replied: "We’re having a good time, we’re definitely having a good time.

"Obviously it is a dance competition, at the end of the day, so we have to learn