Kym Marsh delivers two-word verdict on Giovanni Pernice amid Strictly scandal

EXCLUSIVE: Former Strictly star Kym Marsh addressed professional dancer Giovanni Pernice's struggles as she proudly opened a new carvery restaurant in Manchester.

Kym Marsh shared her verdict on Giovanni Pernice

Kym Marsh has shared her verdict on Giovanni Pernice after appearing on Strictly in 2022 (Image: FARMHOUSE KITCHEN)

Kym Marsh suffered anxiety when she appeared on Strictly in 2022 - and now she's delivered her verdict on Giovanni Pernice after learning that his Sherlock actress partner Amanda Abbington left the show with PTSD. Despite the current BBC probe, Kym revealed during an exclusive chat with Express.co.uk this week that she never witnessed anything untoward going on behind the scenes herself.

Admitting that she didn't have "much experience" with the Sicilian pro, her verdict was that she didn't know enough to "pass comment". Giovanni had been partnered with TV and radio presenter Richie Anderson that year, but against all expectations, after lifting the Glitterball trophy just a year before, he suffered a shock elimination in week three.

However, Kym did share a special bond with more than one pro behind the scenes instead. Admitting she was "already" suffering with anxiety before the show had begun, she reflected: "Strictly is a very intense thing to do. It's a wonderful thing to do [but it's also very intense - you're going out live to the nation every weekend.

"I was working in film and doing Waterloo Road at the same time, so there was a lot on my plate... and obviously my dad's illness [was a worry]. I think that's why I was quite anxious at that point." However, she was swept off her feet by the support of Graziano di Prima and his wife.

"Graziano was wonderful. Him and his wife, they'll be my friends forever. I absolutely adore them both and they were both very, very supportive and brilliant," she exclaimed. The pair recently wished Kym a happy 48th birthday, as well as wishing her luck for playing her "villainous" role as Cruella de Ville in 101 Dalmatians, a musical show which continues during the summer.

Kym Marsh danced with Graziano di Prima

Kym Marsh was partnered with Graziano di Prima on Strictly in 2022 (Image: BBC)

She added: "I have a very special place in my heart for [Will Mellor's 2022 pro partner] Nancy Xu as well. She was a wonderful human being and she was very supportive of my dancing journey."

The pro-dancer, who also declared her continuing "love" for Will and her desire to work with him again, even helped to get Kym set up with the most comfortable pair of shoes.

However, it wasn't dance that she was doing this week, as she switched her former role of pulling pints in the Rovers on Corrie for becoming one-time restaurant manager of mouthwatering new eatery Farmhouse Kitchen.

Proud Northerner Kym has a penchant for a classic British roast - and the carvery in Manchester's Worsley district, paired with the atmosphere of an artisan cafe, immediately quelled her hunger pangs.

Kym Marsh displaying a delicious Sunday roast

Kym Marsh displaying a delicious Sunday roast at the opening of Manchester's Farmhouse Kitchen (Image: FARMHOUSE KITCHEN)

The TV and musical theatre star, who is originally from Merseyside, admitted she couldn't wait to tuck into the eatery's plentiful supply of cakes after our interview.

She was tempted to get her hands on the "lemon drizzle, chocolate, caramel and red velvet" cakes, as well as a "giant carrot cake".

Witnessing the carvery come to life also brought back nostalgic memories for Kym, who is "very family orientated" and has had many a roast dinner with her family around the table.

Sadly, a classic Sunday roast is something she's often missed out on in recent years due to her hectic filming commitments and her tendency to constantly be "travelling around the country".

However, she'll be redressing the balance this week, after cutting the ribbon at Farmhouse Kitchen - and she's also recommending that families on a budget try eating out mid-week to cut costs and "break the mould".

Farmhouse Kitchen, a brand evolution of Farmhouse Inns, has opened the doors to its first restaurant in Worsley, Manchester with Honorary Restaurant Manager, Kym Marsh, to bring people together and act as the nation's kitchen table, combining diners’ love for carvery and cafés.

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