Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova became overwhelmed with emotion as she discussed how her boyfriend Kai Widdrington "proved herself" to her daughter.
Professional dancers Nadiya, 33, and Kai, 27, began dating last year following Nadiya's split from her fiancé Matija Škarabot.
Nadiya shares her six-year-old daughter Mila with her ex fiancé.
As she appeared on Loose Women today, Nadiya discussed how she had introduced her daughter to her boyfriend Kai and admitted it "took some time" for the pair to bond but now Mila "adores" Kai.
Nadiya became emotional as she described her daughter's bond with her professional dancer beau.
She said: "It took quite some time, honestly, it's not easy."
Gesturing to Loose Women panelist Judi Love, who has two teenage children, Nadiya said: "As you know you protect your child as much as you can.
"It took some time but he proved himself in all the possible ways," Nadiya said appearing to fight back tears as the audience gave an 'aww'.
The dancer continued: "Mile absolutely adores him," she said which even left Judi, 42, emotional as she smiled and held Nadiya's hand.
Panelist Kaye Adams then asked Kai: "And what is Mila's nickname for you again?"
To which Kai revealed: "She calls me Kai Lemon Pie, she goes: 'Hi Kai Lemon Pie, bye Kai Lemon Pie!'," and giggled.
Nadiya and Kai were rumoured to be in a relationship for a number of months before they confirmed the news in April.
Nadiya later confirmed that she had been dating Kai since January, after she split from ex-fiancé Matija Škarabot, 34, in 2021.
The loved-up couple were quizzed on how they ended up getting together during their Loose Women appearance.
Kai said: "When we dance together, it just works, it’s not often you get that.
"She is the best person I have ever danced with and I am not just saying that because she is my girlfriend."
"It felt perfect as dancers," Nadiya added.
And, spilling on their first date, Kai revealed: "I said, well you know, you're pretty. Pretty gorgeous. Do you want to go for dinner and stuff."
Their romance has clearly gone from strength to strength as Nadiya shared a sweet photo of herself, Kai, her daughter Mila and their dog Snoopy posing in front of a Christmas tree during their festive celebrations.
She wrote in the caption: "Merry Christmas from us".
Fans gushed over their romance as one commented: "what a beautiful little mbini family merry christmas to you". [sic]
"All the best to the 4 of you. I’m absolutely in love," another wrote.
And a third said: "Merry Christmas, beautiful picture".
The pair were reported to have moved in together in April.
A source told The Sun: "Moving in together was the obvious next step for Nadiya and Kai. They’ve grown so close and it just made sense.
"Kai helped Nadiya move in her belongings this week and they’re excited about making their property feel like a shared home."
