Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin and ex Nicole Wirt
(Picture: PA/Instagram/NikitaKuzmin)Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has split from his long-term girlfriend, Nicole Wirt, according to a new report.
The pair is said to have parted ways before the beginning of this year’s instalment of the BBC ballroom stalwart, so he could ‘focus’ on the series, and fellow dancer Wirt has moved out of their apartment.
The couple is the latest victim of the Strictly curse, where people on the show in relationships split due to the pressures of demanding schedules and the close relationships they develop with their dance partners.
The 24-year-old, who is partnered with paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, reportedly decided it was “for the best” that they went their separate ways.
An insider told the Sun: “Nikita wanted to totally focus on this series of Strictly and decided a while back he wanted to end his relationship with Nicole.
“They had been together for five years and it ended up being a mutual decision. Nicole is mainly based in Germany and she is getting busier with work.
“Nicole used to stay in London to visit Nikita but it was becoming more difficult with their schedules.”
The source added that the exes only want the best for each other, with Kuzmin now focusing all his energy on Strictly.
The Ukrainian dancer was partnered with Tilly Ramsay on last year’s series and finished in sixth place.
So far, Kuzmin and his new celebrity partner, Simmonds, have impressed judges with their performances, receiving a score of 26 out of 40 in week one, and 30 out of 40 in week two.
The gold medallist previously told how she hopes her taking part in Strictly will inspire others, saying: “People have reached out to me, it’s been so touching. If I can do it, people watching will be like, ‘We can do it, too.’
“If I had this as a child, watching someone with dwarfism on a dancing show, it would have been amazing. I never thought I’d get the opportunity.
“I swam in front of millions of people but dancing is different.”
The Evening Standard has contacted Kuzmin’s rep for comment.
