Gemma Atkinson has hit out at claims her partner Gorka Marquez is set to leave Strictly Come Dancing after a disappointing end to his last series.
It was rumoured this year would be Gorka's last after he and partner Helen Skelton failed to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
The dance champion, 32, has been part of the BBC show for seven series - but was said to be wanting to call it a day after getting a "seven year itch".
After fans were left reeling by the news, Gemma said the rumours are simply not true.
She took to Instagram today with a screenshot of the story her beau had called it quits, saying: "Keep being sent this [face palm emoji]. Wish I hadn't said to all the backstage crew 'see you next year' now [one eye tongue emoji].
"Obv this isn't true at all! Same as it wasn't true about Gio last Christmas. Merry Christmas!"
Gorka is yet to address the rumours directly, but did take to Instagram paying tribute to Pasquale La Rocca, who has won Belgium's version of Strictly.
Sharing a pic of the Italian with his dance partner and their trophy, Gorka posted a flurry of applause emojis.
The father-of-one almost waltzed off with the Glitterball trophy this year with Helen Sketon, but the pair were pipped to the post by Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
Gorka has been a finalist on the show three times and many fans thought he was a shoo-in to win the show this year with Helen.
However, when the results were read out the star looked visibly deflated with Helen admitting on her radio show all the Strictly pros wanted Gorka to win.
A source told the Sun : "He looked so devastated last week because he knew the final might be his last chance of taking home the Glitterball, which had eluded him twice before."
They added the star had become an "established figure" in the competition and a "name in his own right," which could allow him to pursue other opportunities moving forward.
The source said that there is "no suggestion" of any ill feeling between Gorka and the BBC, teasing: "It remains to be seen if producers will now offer him a deal enticing enough to sign up for next year's show."
Speculation regarding his departure came after Gorka teased he would be returning for next year's series.
Taking to Instagram as he reflected on the latest series of the BBC show, he said: "Strictly 23 let's go! In the mean time, keep dancing."
