Maisie Smith and Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin have been spotted getting cosy after leaving rehearsals together.
It was recently announced that the former EastEnders actress, 20, was to replace AJ Odudu and be partnered with Kai Widdrington, after the presenter sustained an injury just days before the Strictly final in December, forcing her to drop out.
Maisie and Nikita have been taking part in extensive rehearsals ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, set to kick off later this month.
Despite their rigorous schedule, the duo have found time to bond away from the dancefloor, and were pictured dancing and cuddling in the street.
In one snap, Maisie practises one of the Tango moves while crossing the road with Nikita, with her arm in the air.
She’s then seen laughing and poking fun at him, while wearing a black face mask, as he giggles at the actress.
Both are carrying bags and water bottles as they leave rehearsals, and in a sweet show of affection, Nikita later puts his arm around Maisie as they walk on the pavement.
The actress has fit in perfectly among the close knit Strictly celebrities and pro dancers, and is regularly sharing videos and pictures of her time mucking about in between rehearsals.
Nikita previously shared a video of him and Maisie working out together, and joked that their time in the gym was short lived.
“The idea was better than the execution,” he wrote atop the behind-the-scenes clip.
Maisie has been sharing videos of the rehearsals for the Strictly tour on TikTok and Instagram, and recently uploaded a clip of her and Kai dancing to Michael Jackson’s Rock With You while in a busy restaurant.
She’s also shared a snap of her, Nikita and Rhys Stephenson chowing down on pizza after gruelling rehearsals.
The Ukrainian dancer has already been the subject of rumours surrounding his love life, as he was spotted getting close with his celebrity dance partner Tilly Ramsay during their stint on the BBC One show.
However, he’s currently in a relationship with fellow professional dancer Nicole Wirt, who even jetted over the UK to meet Tilly amid rumours of a romance.
“We’re just having fun. I think people are just obsessed with the Curse but don’t seem to realise we can be just good friends,” Tilly said as she dismissed the speculation.
Earlier this week, Nikita shared a video of him and Nicole snowboarding during a romantic holiday to ring in the New Year.
“How 2021 ended & 2022 started. Finally made a little recap,” he wrote alongside the heartwarming montage featuring clips and pictures of the loved-up couple.
