STRICTLY COME DANCING star Giovanni Pernice has been at the centre of speculation as there was "chat" of him being in a same-sex couple in the upcoming series.

You won't have to wait long for the latest season

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will kick off on September 17, former contestant and TV presenter AJ Odudu announced.

Taking to social media, Helen teased fans with the news.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing introduced a same-sex dance pairing for the first time in 2021 with John Whaite and his pro partner Johannes Radebe finishing second on the show

STRICTLY COME DANCING star AJ Odudu has revealed the date this year's launch show will air on BBC One.

Reports claim that Giovanni is lined up to be part of the second all-male dance pairing in the show's history

He won the series last year

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022 is just around the corner and fans are getting excited. The first contestants were announced last week and Express.co.uk will keep you updated on who will be joining the cast this year.

STRICTLY COME DANCING returns to screens next month and one former professional dancer has revealed which member of the Royal Family they would love to see join the line-up.

"Everything's A-OK."

Kaye Adams was announced as the fourth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2022

Gio will be the pro dancer in the same sex pair for this year's series.

A FAVOURITISM row has hit Strictly Come Dancing amid claims that Giovanni Pernice will be the same-sex couple pro dancer this year. Bosses are set to pair the reigning champ with Radio 2’s Richie A…

Wildlife presenter is going from ‘Countryfile’ to the cha-cha-cha

Wildlife presenter is going from ‘Countryfile’ to the cha-cha-cha

‘Pray for me,’ said the journalist and TV presenter

‘Pray for me,’ said the journalist and TV presenter