Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has said the romance rumours that surround the show can often attest to the strength of the performances.

Last year the 30-year-old dancer and his celebrity partner Ranvir Singh were dogged by whispers they were more than just friends, something Singh, 43, publicly denied.

Now Pernice has shared that rather than the rumours being something that can get in the way of such a partnership, they can be an indicator they've done a good job.

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In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment UK, Pernice remarked: "I've been on the show for so long now I can deal with all these wrong rumours, the Strictly curse that people talk about. But it's not difficult because I definitely focus on the show.

"I have to teach a person that's never danced before how to dance and most importantly if they've never danced before we have to perform, each dance has a different story."

The pair danced a memorably steamy Argentine Tango during their time on the programme, earning themselves a very respectable score of 27 out of 30.

Pernice explained the intimacy of such a dance requires a convincing performance from both parties.

"If it's an Argentine Tango or a Rumba, obviously you have to be very close so for us, a professional and a celebrity that wants to learn how to dance, you just have to focus on the performance," he said.

"People are always going to talk about the Strictly curse but it's all about the performance and remember dancing is acting as well. So if people think that you're having a romance with your partner doing an Argentine Tango, it means our job is done, it's absolutely great."

Watch: Ranvir Singh reveals the reason she's feeling emotional after her Strictly Come Dancing elimination

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The pair narrowly missed out on a place in the show's finale as they found themselves eliminated in the semi-final.

Pernice has made the final three times - with partners Georgia May Foote, Debbie McGee and Faye Tozer - since he joined the show in 2015, and he still has his eyes firmly on the Glitterball trophy.

Unlike some of his fellow professionals, he isn't looking toward appearing on any other shows just yet as he hopes he'll be invited back to Strictly later this year for its 19th series.

He said: "Until I win the show I can't focus on anything else so hopefully I have another chance this year, they want me back and I can focus on dance and again make my dancer absolutely perfect and try to win the show."

Giovanni Pernice is hosting exclusive dance classes on Instagram, Monday – Friday 5-6pm. Book now at www.lockdownclass.co.uk / @pernicegiovann1

Watch: Ranvir Singh denies Strictly romance claims