HAVING A BALL: ‘WE'RE A FAMILY – WE CAN COUNT ON EACH OTHER'

THE STRICTLY PROS WHO’VE BEEN DAZZLING US ON THE DANCE FLOOR EVERY WEEK TELL OK! WHY IT’S NOT JUST THEIR CELEB PARTNERS THEY’VE BONDED WITH

- CHLOE ALEXANDROU AND RIANNE ISON

Strictly Come Dancing is undoubtedly the biggest show on television and over the years we’ve cheered on countless celebrities as they’ve shimmied their way across the dance floor. But the professionals who put them through their paces have also earned a well-deserved place in our hearts. All stars in their own right, many of us enjoy watching them every Saturday night just as much as their celeb partners.

Here, in an exclusive and glamorous photoshoot, we get to know some of them a little better. Luba Mushtuk, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer and Giovanni Pernice give us an insight into the glittering world of Strictly and open up about their lives outside the rehearsal room…

‘MAURA LOVES ROSE’

GIOVANNI PERNICE 31 ON HIS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH ROSE AYLING-ELLIS AND LIFE AT HOME WITH MAURA HIGGINS

Hi, Gio. You seem over the moon to be working with Rose…

It’s a privilege to be dancing with her. She’s such a lovely girl and she’s made me push myself even more and change the way I teach. We’re just constantly learning and finding our own way. We’ve reached a point where we don’t even need the interpreter any more. The more time we spend together, the better it gets.

It seems like you really tuned into Rose’s needs and how to teach her. How has the journey made you feel?

When I heard Rose was going to be on the show I really wanted her as my partner. She keeps saying she’s grateful to be dancing with me, but I’m the grateful one.

What do you do once rehearsals are over?