STRICTLY viewers left distracted by the ‘intense’ interview with Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice in tonight’s It Takes Two.
Radio star Richie was left in floods of tears as he opened up about his shock split with presenter Rylan
Richie and Italian dancer Giovanni were given the nod on Saturday after landing in the bottom two with pop star Fleur East and professional dancer Vito Coppola.
The duo joined host Rylan to discuss their shock elimination on the BBC2 show.
Opening up about her exit, Richie said: “We worked hard because before Strictly the only place I danced was in a nightclub and I feel like I brought the same vibe to Strictly so we worked on making me a bit more gracious and a bit more Latin and Ballroom.
“But I totally accept Saturday night’s result for what it is. I’m so lucky to be doing Strictly and I’ve met some amazing people.”
Giovanni explained that he thought their samba to Hakuna Matata from The Lion King was “generally good”.
The pair opened Movie Night with the hilarious routine, dressed as lovable duo Timon and Pumbaa.
After watching a compilation video of their best tracks, Richie was moved to tears.
Rylan said, “I know you’re emotional, but how does it feel to look back at it?”
Looking teary-eyed, Richie struggled to get his words out and said with a trembling voice: “I’m so proud to meet you… I’m just such a crowd.”
Rylan then asked Giovanni if he was proud of Richie’s journey on the show.
Giovanni said: “I really am, you have to see the effort he puts into the room every day, he really wants to get it right.
“Like I said before, I’m glad you’re having this experience and maybe you’ll come back for Christmas at some point and dance again.”
However, fans couldn’t help but notice Giovanni and Richie’s “intense” appearance on the show.
One wrote: ‘Giovanni doesn’t seem too bothered, not sure if it’s just me but I got the feeling he didn’t want to be with Richie. #It takes two”
Another posted: “Cuts the atmosphere with a knife… #It TakesTwo”
A third said: “The tension is off the scale. Awkward between Richie and Gio. #It takes two”
“This is the absolute most awkward #ItTakesTwo interview ever,” added another.
Show judges Craig Revel Horwood, Mozzi Mabuse and Anton du Beke saved Fleur, meaning Shirley Ballas’ vote was not needed.
However, she told hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly that she would save Richie.
But there was a disparity in scoring as Craig scored a mediocre five while Shirley raised eyebrows with an eight and Mozzi and Anton scored sevens.
Viewers seemed to side more with Craig in their ratings.
One viewer said: “I’ll be watching Shirley’s results all night after she gave Richie an 8. Based on that she’s sure to get a 10 tonight #Strictly.”
Another wrote: “Richie and Giovanni…..5 all day…..bloody 8??!!! #Strict.”
A third said: “Richie is over the top as usual.”
During his critique, Craig said: “Your arms were very thin, I thought as I walked along the boardwalks, but I have to say I really liked the feature.”
While Mozzi said, “It’s movie night baby, what a way to start movie night. I think you played the characters so fun, fun, energetic…”
Despite their smiles on the dance floor, Giovanni and Richie’s time on the show was marred by speculation that they didn’t get along too well backstage.