STRICTLY 2019 contestant David James and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova have sent the rumour mill into overdrive.
Fans are convinced they may be more than just friends – even though she’s currently engaged to Matija Skarabot. Here’s why…
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What are the David James and Nadiya Bychkova rumours?
David and Nadiya were seen getting close in professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec‘s Instagram story.
Eagle-eyed fans even spotted the former goalkeeper kissing Nadiya on the head while hugging her from behind in the short video.
Former Liverpool, Portsmouth, and Bristol City goalkeeper David stood behind the Ukrainian dancer with her in his arms.
She gently fell back into his chest and clutched his arms as they rocked back and forth
At one point she glanced up and gazed at her 6ft 4ins partner.
The celebs were rehearsing for tomorrow’s final when 29-year-old Aljaz stopped to record a cheeky video for his fans.
The Strictly favourite intended to record sports presenter Mike Bushell which he did, but accidentally caught the intimate moment between James and Nadiya in the background.
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What have Strictly fans said?
Strictly viewers have weighed in on two stars who have been the latest to be linked with the Strictly curse.
One fan tweeted: “Well well.”
Another replied: “This will take some explaining. There’s striking up a rapport with your dance professional, then there’s this.”
And a third reckoned: “They were acting like honeymooners and star-crossed lovers. I hope they don’t get in trouble for this.”
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Is David James still engaged?
David James is currently single.
The 2008 FA Cup winner was married to his wife Tanya and they had four children together, but by 2005 they had divorced.
According to The Express, soon after his marriage with Amanda had ended, the 49-year-old reunited with his childhood sweetheart Amanda Salmon, who he married.
However, the two have now split up.
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Is Nadiya Bychkova single?
Nadiya is currently engaged to Slovenia footballer Matija Skarabot.
They share a three-year-old daughter called Mia.
The world champion ballroom dancer hasn’t posted any pictures of her fiancée since July, but he posted a touching tribute on his Instagram account.
He wrote: ‘Normally I keep my private things for my self but having in my life such a wonderful and lovely person is a gift…Not only that you are an incredible mum and life partner.”
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What is the Strictly curse?
The Strictly curse is a phenomenon that hits celebrities and their dance partners during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.
Due to the harsh schedules, sexy dance moves and close quarters with their partners, their off-screen romances sometimes suffer as a result.
Strictly became regarded as “cursed” after a series of very public break-ups from show participants – and ever since, more and more fan favourites have succumbed.
For example, 2018 Strictly winner Stacey Dooley, 32, left her long-term boyfriend Sam, 30, for dance partner Kevin Clifton, 37.
In August pro dancers Neil, 37, and Katya Jones, 30, split as they failed to recover from her snog with 34-year-old celeb partner Sean Walsh.
