Strictly Come Dancing: Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice leave hotel just moments apart
STRICTLY COME DANCING star Laura Whitmore made a desperate bid to avoid being photographed with dance partner Giovanni Pernice this morning.
Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice prepare to dance for the FIRST TIME
The Irish TV presenter, 31, left her London hotel by a different exit to outsmart the waiting pack of photographers hoping to fuel romance rumours.
Italian professional Giovani, 26, was then spotted at a different exit with a small suitcase and suit bag in tow.
Both dancers found themselves at the centre of a Strictly controversy after they were partnered together following Giovanni's split with Laura's friend, Georgia May Foote.
Seemingly single, viewers speculated that another Strictly romance, or even "The Strictly curse", could take place.
Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice leave hotel just moments apart
Laura Whitmore made a desperate bid to avoid being photographed with dance partner Giovanni Pernice
Giovani Pernice was spotted at a different exit with a small suitcase and suit bag in tow
Former Strictly dancer Gleb Savchenko told Star magazine that he thought pair would get together as a couple.
"I bet you £100 Giovanni will get with Laura this year,” he chirped.
Representatives for Laura rubbished all claims, saying that Gleb has not even met the presenter.
Both dancers found themselves at the centre of a Strictly controversy
The duo were partnered together following Giovanni's split with Laura's friend
Representatives for Laura rubbished all relationship claims
Giovanni and actress Georgia became a couple after being paired together on last year's Strictly, only ending their year-long relationship a month ago.
After it was announced that Laura would be starring on the show with her ex, Georgia tweeted: "[I] would just like to wish @thewhitmore and @pernicegiovann1 good luck."
"Please do not believe the c**p you read! She's a beautiful person."
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6:40pm on BBC One.