We’re currently six weeks into the 20th anniversary series of Strictly and the likes of TOWIE legend Pete Wicks, former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick all remain in the competition after impressing the judges with their dance moves.
But while it’s seemingly all glitz and glamour on the ballroom floor, it’s been reported that two of the show’s professional dancers are embroiled in a feud and refusing to be around each other backstage.
According to reports, things have got so awkward between pros Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, who split earlier this year after a two-year relationship, that they’re having to stand on opposite sides of the studio during the live shows.
A Strictly insider explained, ‘It's painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break up phase and struggling to be near one another. Obviously, that's the risk that comes with dating someone at work, so they're both trying their best to steer clear of each other.
‘When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they're always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it's been very tense between them.’
The source told The Sun, ‘They refuse to be near each other at all on set but there's not much room up there with all the professionals.
‘They just have to do their best to avoid each other every weekend.’
Nadiya and Kai’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
Nadiya recently admitted that she and Kai weren’t on the best of terms, but insisted that it wouldn’t affect their work on Strictly.
‘We work together but we are not friends and that’s ok,’ she told the Mirror.
‘One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I’m a professional.’
This year, Nadiya was paired with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean MBE in the competition, but they were the first pair to be eliminated. Kai, on the other hand, wasn’t given a celebrity partner, but still takes part in the group dances.
WATCH how much are the Strictly pros, judges and hosts paid?
Nathan Katnoria is heat and Closer online's Senior Digital Writer. He writes about all the latest and greatest reality TV, including Love Island, TOWIE, Geordie Shore, Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and has interviewed everyone from Charlotte Crosby to Chloe Brockett and Miles Nazaire to Megan Barton-Hanson.