Strictly’s Artem Chigvintsev denies Fern Britton’s shocking abuse claims

Strictly Come Dancing's Artem has hit back at Fern Britton's claims that he would ‘kick’ and ‘shove’ her during training

Fern Britton’s shocking abuse claims: ‘Strictly’s Artem would kick and shove me’

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

The former This Morning presenter, who appeared on the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing, made some shocking claims about Artem Chigvintsev.

Speaking at an event hosted by The Times newspaper, she insisted that the 32-year-old used to “kick” and “shove” her during rehearsals.

And Fern Britton added that Artem, who quit the BBC One show last year, even threatened to “kill” her.

She said: “He would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me.

"He was like, 'Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.'"

Fern added that she would try to make light of the situation, responding to his comments in a jokey fashion.

She said: "I would say, 'Oh please just kill me, it would be easier.'

"Or what was his other one? 'If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb.'

“I thought, well I won’t correct him on that one."

Fern added: "We did love each other for a moment or two, but he wasn’t charm personified."

But Artem has now hit back at the claims.

He said in a statement: "I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care, and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am," he told The Independent.

"I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me. I just want to thank all my fans and friends for their support and belief in me".

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