‘It's been quite a revelation'

Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice on their Strictly experience so far

- Victoria Wilson

STRICTLY COME DANCING SAT & SUN / BBC1 / TIMES VARY / ENTERTAINMENT

Ranvir Singh is the first to admit that she’s well out of her comfort zone when tripping the light fantastic on BBC1 extravaganza Strictly Come Dancing. Bursting on to the dance floor with a stunning paso doble in week one, Good Morning Britain’s political editor has gone from strength to strength and, at the time of going to press, is one of the favourites to lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.

Ranvir’s success is in large part down to her great chemistry with her professional partner, Italian Latin king Giovanni Pernice, who has boosted her confidence to help her realise her full potential.

With the stage set for the semi-final this Saturday, the remaining celebrities will no doubt be pulling out all the sequins in a bid to sashay their way into next week’s grand final.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Ranvir, 43, and Giovanni, 30, chat to TV Times about their Strictly journey so far, their partnership – and blister plasters!

We adore your partnership! Ranvir, what makes Giovanni such a great teacher?

RANVIR: Giovanni is very determined and has a really strong vision of what the end product should look like. His energy is so strong that it carries you along because he doesn’t rest until something is as good as he wants it to be, or as good as he thinks I can make it. He just wants me to shine as much as he thinks I can – often he believes in me more than I do!

And, Giovanni, what makes Ranvir a star pupil?