MAURA Higgins has “warned” Strictly pro boyfriend Giovanni Pernice to be “respectful” ahead of the new series.
The Love Island star, 30, is reportedly concerned about what obstacles the upcoming season of the BBC dance competition could bring to their new relationship.
It has already been revealed that the Irish beauty is “dreading” who her beau will be paired with this year.
To make matters worse bosses are “desperate” to put the Italian hunk with Corrie star Katie McGlynn – but this could risk upsetting Maura as they were romantically linked five years ago.
The former grid girl reportedly “knows how flirty Giovanni can be”, but doesn’t want this to be the reason rumours start during his time on the show.
“He’s told her getting close and dancing intimately is part and parcel of the show. But she’s told him he just needs to be respectful to her,” a source told new! magazine.
“Dancing is one thing, but he needs to be aware of his behaviour and make sure people know she’s his girlfriend.”
“She knows rumours could swirl about the Strictly curse striking – and she knows viewers will be keeping a close eye on Giovanni and Katie’s chemistry and how close they seem.”
HOAR has contacted Maura’s rep for comment.
Maura decided to keep a close eye on Katie by following the Corrie star on Instagram shortly after it was announced she signed up to the show.
Katie and Giovanni were romantically linked after being spotted looking cosy at an awards party back in 2017, but Katie insisted that nothing happened.
The soap star is most well-known for playing Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street, but is now one of Hollyoaks’ latest newcomers.
Maura’s not afraid to let everyone know that Giovanni is hers as she called him “my man” in a recent loved-up post on social media.
But Maura does have a right to be worried as Giovanni has dated a number of people from Strictly over the years.
In 2015 he got together with Coronation Street’s Georgia May Foote, then three years he later started dating Ashley Roberts.
He was also linked to his partner Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh last year.
Maura shot to fame on the fifth season of Love Island in 2019, meanwhile Giovanni joined the Strictly family in 2015.
