Strictly Come Dancing has long played Cupid, with connections formed on the show often developing into long-lasting relationships.
And one of the more recent couples to emerge from the show are professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, who went public with their romance last April.
Nadiya – who hails from Ukraine – joined the Strictly family in 2017, while Southampton-born Kai is still relatively new on the scene, having been involved for two seasons.
His 2021 debut not only earned fans’ adoration, but Nadiya’s too. The pair have been going from strength-to-strength in their relationship and even got a pet pooch together last year – a bulldog called Snoopy.
And speaking to Closer at the Dune London x Nadiya & Kai event, Kai, 27, says the pair are happier than ever, and are loving every minute of their Once Upon A Time tour.
He says, “We’re always there for each other and are very much each other’s support system.
“With our tour, we’re getting to do something that we really enjoy and it’s done our way, to music we want to dance to. It just so happens that we dance really well together, even if we do say so ourselves!
“When we’re not dancing, our favourite thing to do is eat. We love having a really nice dinner or just chilling together, watching TV and eating cheese!”
Rumours the pair were dating started circulating in early 2022, after Nadiya announced her split from fiancé of several years, Matija Škarabot, with whom she shares daughter Mila, six.
Nadiya, 33, says that Mila is her priority, and while the youngster has taken to dancing herself, there is never pressure on her to take that route in life.
“She’s a very talented young girl,” Nadiya tells Closer. “Whatever she decides to do, I’ll be happy. She is the reason I’m doing all of this, no matter how much I love it.”
Billed as the most glamorous dance show yet, Once Upon A Time showcases Nadiya and Kai’s ballroom journeys and celebrates their love both on and off the dance floor.
Nadiya says that she’s especially proud of the tour because of how much hard work and effort went into making it happen.
She adds, “It’s very special to be able to tell our stories – to give something back to all the people who support us. Especially for me, to go out there and give a little part of myself to the people who were there for me for such a long time… It feels really special.”
The Dune “Let’s Dance” occasion collection campaign starring Nadiya and Kai launched 18 April 2023.