STRICTLY stars Karim Zeroual and Chris Ramsey share steamy sauna sessions after rehearsing for the show.
The pair might be dancefloor rivals on the BBC talent show, but they enjoy chilling out together in the gym after their gruelling training.
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Karim, who has been dating university student Poppy Birtwistle for three years, revealed: “I go to the sauna and steam most nights with Chris.”
As married Chris, 33, added to the Mirror: “It’s nice. We rest our weary bones and our worries roll away.”
But Karim, 25, admitted there is “no time to slack” as he trains 14 hours a day with pro partner Amy Dowden in a bid to win the Glitterball trophy.
On Saturday, Karim burst into tears under the pressure of performing in front of the nation after the judges told him he’d made some mistakes.
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Despite picking up a respectable 30 points the presenter said that “going wrong is a no no” as he wiped away tears.
Meanwhile, he was forced to deny he’s fallen for his pro partner Amy behind his girlfriend Poppy’s back after a series of romance rumours.
The children’s TV presenter, 25, addressed the rumours but says their chemistry comes from the fact they are such close friends.
Last night, the pair danced a Viennese waltz to Ed Sheeran ’s Give Me Love.
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Speaking to Best magazine, Karim said: “Oh no – there’s nothing going on between me and Amy. I have a girlfriend.
“But Amy and I are really good mates – a bit too good. We tease each other constantly, and it goes a bit far, and she nags me a bit – but look, it is all out of love.”
Karim has been dating the Manchester University student for three years, while professional Amy is engaged to Ben Jones.
The presenter is reportedly trying to keep Poppy as involved in his Strictly experience as possible.
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A source told The Sun: “Karim was really keen to involve Poppy in his training and wanted her to meet Amy to make sure she felt comfortable.
“They got on really well which is great because Karim knows he’ll be spending long hours with Amy and he wants Poppy to feel secure about it.”
Poppy was in the audience for the first live show and also joined the dancers – along with Amy’s fiance – to the after-party at the studios in Elstree.
While Karim is one of the favourites to win the show, he broke down in tears after being given harsh criticism from the judges this week.
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