STRICTLY'S Giovanni Pernice says he'd love to be paired with a man on the new series.
The Italian dancer's new comments came after he ruled out romance with last year's partner Ranvir Singh.
Giovanni has now revealed he is happy to be in a same sex pairing for the 2021 series.
Last year Strictly made history when Nicola Adams and Katya Jones were paired together,
Speaking to The Mirror he said: “It's not down to me, but if the production people come to me and said 'listen Giovanni we'd love you to be partnered with a man' I'd say 'yes'.
"I am more than ready to be partnered with a man.
"It would give me a chance to challenge myself with new routines, you have to think more about it. I love challenging myself.”
Last year's partner Ranvir had previously told Giovanni how she would love her GMB co-host Piers Morgan to partner with him next time on the show.
Speaking about this, Giovanni said: “ I think Piers is a fantastic person. I really respect him. I would love to see him on the dancefloor.”
The ballroom dancer said that although none of the pro-dancers knew if they were back on the BBC show later this year, he was confident it would be another successful series even if lockdown continues.
He said: “Last year was one of the biggest shows watched on television. For us, obviously it is making people at home happy and putting a smile on their face.”
The pro-dancer also said he would be first in line if bosses issued a show-wide edict demanding all of their stars have the Covid vaccine before being allowed back on the programme.
He commented: “The priority for me and for us and for the BBC especially is to be safe and if we have to work in environments when you have to dance and get close to somebody and a vaccine was required to be safe for everybody, then why not?"
This latest interview comes after Giovanni insisted this week that there is "absolutely no way" he'd date former dance partner Ranvir.
He shut down reports he'd fallen for the Good Morning Britain star during their time on the BBC competition.
When asked if he would ever date Ranvir, 43, Giovanni told Entertainment Daily: "'No, no, no no no. I’m single, absolutely there’s no way (I would date Ranvir). We are very very good friends."
Ranvir and Giovanni, who reached the Strictly semi-final, were dogged by reports they had taken their friendship further after their intimate performances on the show sparked rumours of a romance.
During their time on the show the pair danced a sensual Argentine tango, which ended with their lips almost touching.
The couple also surprised Strictly viewers with their American Smooth, in which she kissed his hand and blew him a kiss during their routine.
Both Ranvir and Giovanni are single after he split from Pussycat Doll Ashley earlier last year.
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