Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Kym Marsh, has defended herself after claims were made by viewers who spotted her in-laws in the audience watching the show. It was Halloween week on the BBC's hit programme and the pressure was on for all contestants to keep their spot on the show.
Former Coronation Street star Kym, paired with her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima, performed the first female celebrity Rumba of the series to Frozen by Madonna while dressed as a witch. As Kym and Graziano headed up the stairs to chat to Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman for the post dance chat, Claudia said to Kym: "Your in-laws are here. Did that add to the pressure?"
The camera then showed Kym’s in-laws, who were sat in the audience alongside their son, and Kym's husband, Scott Ratcliffe. Kym replied: "Well yeah when I’m dancing like that with him,” as Claudia and Graziano laughed. Graziano then shouted out: "I love you Scott," before the pair were given their results - an impressive 34 out of a possible 50.
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According to Nottinghamshire Live's sister publication, Manchester Evening News, Strictly viewers were confused by the reaction of Kym's in-laws. Social media reaction saw one person tweeting: "Kym Marsh’s in-laws didn’t look too happy! #StrictlyComeDancing."
Kym, however, had a perfectly reasonable explanation and clapped back at a headline which suggested there was 'tension' between the family. Sharing a screenshot of a newspaper headline to her Instagram Story, the 46-year-old said: "This has to be one of the funniest things I’ve read!! How about they weren’t aware the camera was even on them!!" She then added: "Good job we see the funny side."
On Sunday night, it was the turn of EastEnders actor James Bye and dance partner Amy Dowden to hang up their dancing shoes as they were voted off the show during the Halloween special. Kym and Graziano kept their place for another week.
Kym has said she wanted Strictly partner Graziano to become integrated into her family, describing him as quickly morphing into a “little brother”. Telling Hello magazine: "Graziano is from a big family himself and is very family-orientated so it was important for us to build a friendship and I wanted to integrate him into the family. He’s fit in really well. Everyone loves him."
Sicilian-born Graziano, 28, added: "I feel like part of the family. Every week, there is a day where Kym invites me home with her and the family prepare Italian food and make me feel so welcome. At the end of the day, when we’ve finished the rehearsals, I’ll be in my hotel on my own. But Kym knows that, so she invites me back.”
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