Rehearsal meltdowns? Secret romance? Strictly star Debbie McGee laughs off rumours

STRICTLY star Debbie McGee has laughed off rumours she had a backstage meltdown because of mounting pressure behind the scenes.

Debbie was said to have rebelled against pro partner Giovanni Pernice’s punishing training schedules in his desperation to win the glitterball trophy.

She said: “Everything you’ve read about my ‘meltdown’ is fiction.

“I pulled a muscle a month ago but it has never affected me during the performance.

“The adrenaline kicks in and I’m ‘old showbusiness’ where you just do it regardless.

“It’s settled down and this week has been my best for weeks.”

Despite the reports, the close relationship between Debbie,59, and Giovanni led to speculation as to whether they were more than just dance partners, but Debbie laughed off any suggestions of romance.

She said: “For a woman my age it’s very flattering for people to think there might be something.

“I do have a little chuckle to myself. We just have the greatest working partnership.

“We have chemistry and are great mates and that’s more special than if there was anything else going on.”

Last night was Musicals Week, with the six couples dancing to classic show tunes.

Debbie and Giovanni performed an American Smooth to Memory from Cats, while remaining Scot Joe McFadden and partner Katya Jones danced a Samba to Money Money from Cabaret.

With only five couples going through to next week’s semi-finals the tension is ratcheting up, especially as Debbie, widow of magician Paul Daniels, now has to fit in panto rehearsals in York as well.

“I don’t feel the pressure, I’m really calm,” she insisted. “If I let the pressure get to me I wouldn’t be able to do either job.

“The way you keep on top of it is just to believe you can do it.

“In between things I’m in my dressing room for 10 minutes learning my lines for panto.

“If I get through this weekend the panto has agreed to give me certain days off and Giovanni will have to come up to York and wait around until I’m free.”

Debbie says the show has made her so popular, job offers have flooded in.

“If I was offered a dancing job in a show or a musical I would definitely consider it.”

Debbie told us a few weeks ago how the show had given her her sparkle back after Paul’s death. And she’s been inundated with reaction from others who have suffered loss.

“I’ve had loads of messages from people going through grief saying I’ve made them realise that life can go on,” adds Debbie.

“It’s a great to know other people have fed off my happiness and the experience I’m having on Strictly.”