Debbie McGee’s interview on Loose Women today raised eyebrows, after some viewers branded one of Gloria Hunniford’s questions to her “insensitive”.
Others took to Twitter to describe the question about the Strictly star’s late husband Paul Daniels as “stupid”.
Debbie, 59, was on the ITV daytime show to chat about the weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing finale, where she and dance partner Giovanni Pernice lost out on the Glitterball Trophy.
Read more: Helen Flanagan spills beans on Corrie storyline after announcing pregnancy
After Debbie spoke about her incredible chemistry and friendship with Italian dancer Giovanni, panellist Gloria interjected with a rather personal question.
“I’ve known you for 35 years. I know how happy you were with Paul, and, of course, we were all very sad when you lost Paul,” said Gloria.
“I just wondered, was there something, having been with your lovely man for so long, what it was like having to be so up close and [have] body contact with another man?”
Responding, Debbie said: “I never really thought about it, Gloria, because it was learning to dance. I didn’t really think about it in that way, that I’m up close with a strange person, as I didn’t feel uncomfortable with Giovanni.
“From day one I felt comfortable with him. There wasn’t anything that made me feel shy or, ‘oh gosh’… one of those lifts he had to put his hand between my legs, that’s as close as you can get!”
Gloria quipped: “I bet Paul was looking down thinking, it didn’t take her that long!”
Laughing, Debbie continued: “I just can’t explain why, but we were just really comfortable in each other’s company. I never felt anything that felt wrong.
“We just had a lovely time.”
While Debbie laughed after Gloria’s remark, some viewers didn’t seem that impressed, calling the question about getting close to Giovanni “insensitive and stupid”.
One tweeted: “Why is Gloria asking stupid questions to Debbie about getting close to a man. So insensitive.”
Debbie and Giovanni faced rumours of a secret romance during their time on Strictly.
Obviously. ‘Cause, hello, Strictly. Basically you can’t be single on the show without fuelling hook-up speculation!
But Debbie assured the Loose Women panel there was nothing but friendship between her and Giovanni, 27.
“We really do have a special chemistry. He’s really special to me and I’m sure I am to him,” said Debbie.
“We love each other to bits but there’s nothing more than a friendship and an amazing working partnership.
Read more: I’m A Celeb star FAINTS while ice skating dressed as a Christmas tree
“We love dancing together so I think that’s why people thought there was a romance: when you dance, it’s very special.”
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.