Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova has addressed rumours of a rift between herself and her celebrity partner Matt Goss.
The Bros star is partnered with Nadiya in the current series of the hit BBC ballroom dancing show, but following their debut last month, eagle-eyed fans speculated there could be ‘friction’ between the pair.
There were reports of the Bros star, 53, appearing to 'pull' Nadiya, 33, into shot when they were talking to host Claudia Winkleman following their quickstep performance.
However, mum-of-one Nadiya has now opened up about their relationship since being partnered with one another.
Nadiya told The Sun of Matt: “He approaches every task with such care and as his teacher, this is just a dream.
“Having competed all my life, it’s wonderful to train with someone who has the same hard-working attitude.”
Nadiya continued: “We often have his dog Reggie here rehearsing with us and between dances I get to hear Matt sing – lucky me!
“That’s where he feels most relaxed, at the piano singing. We are taking this week by week and we are grateful for every moment.”
Matt and Nadiya found themselves in the first bottom two of the series, up against Loose Women's Kaye Adams and her pro dance partner Kai Widdrington.
After surviving the dreaded dance-off, the duo performed a routine to Top Gun: Maverick hit Hold My Hand during the latest Movie Week stage of the BBC show.
Yet despite their emotion-packed routines and smooth moves, they were only awarded a three from Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Discussing the pair’s competition, Nadiya shared: “It has always been my mentality to focus on what I’m doing, and Matt feels the same. As a competitor you always strive to be better.
“On the show this year, it’s such a beautiful line up and everyone is so supportive of one another. All cheering each other on from the side-lines it’s a very special atmosphere.
“I wish we could all stay in the competition and have the best pair win the final. It’s sad to see people go each week – it’s one big family.”
During a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, the pair told hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway all about what's ahead after their first dance-off.
Matt said: "It was an experience, yeah, it was new to me but at the same time, it was like if that's the worst it gets then..."
Nadiya went on: "A completely different person. He was like, 'I'm focused now, I'm here,' because he's got another chance to learn another dance and show what maybe someone didn't see before. He's still completely focussed and determined."
Matt added of the next dance: "It's very emotional, it's really beautiful and a beautiful song choice. I am truly loving the dance and I feel connected to it so I'm not thinking about the choreography."
Nadiya then said: "I think it really suits him. Matt has really connected to the story, the music and it just works, it flows really nicely."
