Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Gemma and Giovanni reveal bizarre back-stage ritual on show
STRICTLY COME DANCING stars Gemma Atkinson and Giovanni Pernice have revealed that they have an unusual back-stage ritual together before every live show.
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This year’s group of contestants and professionals have formed a close bond behind the scenes, doing their best to assist each other before they face the public vote every week.
What started as a joke in week two, when Scottish comedian Susan Calman performed a Charleston to the song If You Knew Susie, quickly transformed into a tradition behind the scenes for former Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson, 33, and professional Giovanni, 27.
Speaking to press including Express.co.uk, Gemma explained: “We have from week two, if you remember the songs, Susan danced to that song If You Knew Susie, and the whole of the next week Giovanni walked through every corridor in the building [singing] ‘If you know Susan like I know Susan’.
“We were literally about to go on the stage and Aljaž [Škorjanec] went to Giovanni, ‘Just enough shut up now’.”
Strictly: Gemma and Giovanni have a bizarre back-stage ritual every week
Strictly: Gemma has made it into the final after weeks of intense training
Strictly: Gemma and Aljaž have become fast friends on the BBC series this year
So I’m sure it’s worked, so far
Laughing, Gemma went on to say that she now believes the professional’s antics may have been the secret to keeping her in the BBC competition so long.
She continued: “Before every single show no matter where we are in the building, he comes and finds me, singing, ‘Gemma, do you know Susan?’
“So I’m sure it’s worked, so far.”
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Former Holby City actor and current favourite to win Joe McFadden, 42, has a much more traditional way of preparing before a live show.
“I like naps,” he shared with a laugh. “At least one or two, maybe three naps before every show.”
Strictly Come Dancing the final airs tonight at 6.30pm on BBC One.