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Simon Duke

Strictly's Gorka Marquez 'chooses sides' as co-stars become embroiled in TV ratings war

Gorka Marquez gave his very public backing to Strictly Come Dancing colleague Giovanni Pernice as he took on fellow pro Katya Jones in a TV ratings battle on Tuesday.

Months after sharing their delight and getting to dance with each other on Strictly, as Brit winner Lewis Capaldi performed in the BBC ballroom, Giovanni and Katya took each other on in the 9pm primetime slot, with Giovanni and Anton Du Beke's series Adventures in Sicily in direct competition with Katya, as she starred in the latest series of Celebrity Hunted on Channel 4.

Giovanni took to Instagram earlier in the day to remind fans to tune into BBC One to see him and Anton in action in episode two of their show, sparking a reply from Katya, who commented: "I think you’ll be watching me on @hunted_hq tonight at 9pm!"

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up rumours as Gino D'Acampo and Jill Scott linked to new series

Katya won Strictly in 2017 with Joe McFadden and fellow champion Giovanni responded by telling her that he'd actually be on stage on his own tour at the time so would have to 'catch up later.'

One person who was very much Team Giovanni was Gorka, who fared much better than both Giovanni and Katya in the last series of Strictly; making it all the way to the final with celeb partner Helen Skelton. Gorka and Giovanni are close friends away from the cameras and, lending his support to his mate, Gorka wrote: "Can’t wait!!!"

Hours later, Gorka, who is currently on tour with Karen Hauer with their show Firedance, shared a shot of himself watching Adventures in Sicily backstage.

Plenty of Giovanni's many social media followers shared in Gorka's excitement for the programme with one posting: "I LOVED this show. Binge watched the whole thing. Couldn’t stop smiling, laughing out loud and feeling warm hearted while watching it. Thank you"

Equally enthusiastic, another commented: "This has been brilliant. You and @mrantondubeke are a joy pairing and adding @rose.a.e was magical"

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