Debbie McGee is "flattered" that people think Giovanni Pernice fancy her.
Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' star set tongues wagging three weeks ago when she planted a kiss on the professional dancer's lips during their routine - despite it not being choreographed - but she's adamant there are no romantic feelings between them because he's 30 years younger than her and they have a "great" friendship.
Writing in her column for the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the 58-year-old stage performer - who was married to the late Paul Daniels until his death last year - said: "I think it's totally flattering that people think that Giovanni, who is 30 years younger, fancies me. I read all the headlines and it makes me laugh. We have a lovely friendship and a great chemistry, but going out with someone is totally different."
The pair - who have found themselves at the high end of the leaderboard every week thus far - will dance the cha-cha-cha to Cher's 'The Shoop Shoop Song' this weekend and Debbie has teased that there may even be another smooch on screen.
She quipped: "Let's just say, there's always a possibility for another kiss."
And the duo are thoroughly enjoying their training time at the moment.
Debbie explained: "I've had the giggles all week. Giovanni has discovered that I'm ticklish - he just has to poke me in the ribs and I'm gone. But it's also because this week's routine is hilarious: Giovanni is playing a delivery man and I'm a secretary."
But Debbie has found the routine this week somewhat challenging.
She added: "The cha-cha has been the hardest technique for me to pick up. You have to keep your legs straight and your hips loose."