Susanna Riva When the new edition of Dancing with the Stars began, the atmosphere between host Barbara d'Urso and her dance coach Pasquale La Rocca seemed promising a winning partnership. The two immediately demonstrated a clear synergy , practicing until dawn and sharing outdoor rehearsal rooms—moments that didn't go unnoticed by the contestants' microphones.
The videos d'Urso posted on his channels aroused admiration but also some envy, so much so that ironic comments and stickers insinuating preferential treatment appeared in the jury's private chat.
The initial understanding and the first emerging tensions
In the early days of the competition, the competitiveness of both fueled a fast-paced workload, with long, sweaty trials that led to a perception of favoritism on the part of some competitors.
Among them, Fabio Fognini , a friend of d'Urso, joked in the chat, adding another layer of pressure. At the same time, rumors spread that the host might have a crush on her mentor, rumors that both encouraged to circulate on social media, but which ultimately tired La Rocca, who was more focused on his professional role.
Rumors about La Rocca's sister
Another point of contention emerged when Pasquale's sister took her brother's side on Instagram, publicly denying any flirting. This exchange created a climate of mistrust that gradually translated into a distancing even outside the studio.
The rejection of 'Barbaramente' and the consequences
With the show's conclusion, d'Urso asked La Rocca to participate in his Barbaramente theater tour . The dancer, however, declined the invitation, explaining that the tour dates were too "spread out" compared to his commitments. The negative response was perceived as a betrayal by d'Urso, who during the episode of Domenica In , in response to Mara Venier 's question , specified that Luca Urso , now in a relationship with Monica Guerritore , would take his place . This refusal marked the first real slump in their collaboration.
The Traitors Italia: The Surprise That Completed the Circle
Meanwhile, Pasquale was chosen to participate in the reality show The Traitors Italia . The format's confidentiality agreement prevented the dancer from disclosing anything, not even to his former student. When d'Urso learned of his participation, after the tapings had concluded, she reacted with anger, interpreting the silence as a deliberate exclusion. The non-disclosure order served as the legal pretext, but the emotional wound culminated with the sending of a final, harsh message, which marked the end of all contact.
Today, the two continue to share the same stage, but with very different roles: d'Urso is on the judging panel, while La Rocca dances alongside Ornella Muti . Each review becomes an opportunity for the audience to read between the lines the story of a relationship that, starting with a strong connection, ended definitively due to professional choices and contractual constraints.