Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have laughed off the idea of a Strictly ‘curse’ (Picture: BBC; Getty)
Nigel Harman has no time for the so-called Strictly ‘curse.’
The actor is partnered with fan favourite pro Katya Jones during this series of Strictly Come Dancing and they’ve become a much-loved duo among viewers.
However, as we see every year, rumours have swirled that their chemistry on the dancefloor is a sign of something more romantic happening behind closed doors.
Nigel married actress Lucy Liemann in 2011 and, the following year, they welcomed a daughter together.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, the Casualty star, 50, and Russian choreographer, 34, laughed off the idea that his marriage is at risk – but not before sharing a joke!
‘Well, I strapped your leg yesterday, your calf, that was such a moment,’ teased Katya.
The dance partners became super close almost immediately after their Strictly Come Dancing experience began (Picture: PA)
The EastEnders actor has been married to Lucy Liemann for over a decade (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
‘That was romantic,’ Nigel mocked.
‘To tell you the truth, I don’t operate or move in those circles, so that’s the first I’ve heard of it.
‘But, you know, it’s inevitable and it’s part of signing up for the show, but I couldn’t be less interested.’
One thing’s for certain, though, and it’s that Nigel and Katya are best pals.
On the moment they truly clicked and knew they’d get on like a house on fire, Nigel shared how he and Katya bonded over a ‘bad interpretation’ of a dance move he was performing.
‘There was a moment in week 1, we’ve got it written down because we made a note of it, we were just doing something and it struck us at the same time as being really ridiculous and we started laughing,’ he said with a smile.
They aren’t taking themselves too seriously! (Picture: PA)
‘We were crying with laughter! And I remember distinctly at that moment, walking to my water bottle to have a moment in rehearsals because I couldn’t breathe, and thinking, “This is gonna work.”
‘There are a handful of people you can really laugh with in the world, and that’s as important as crying, they’re all mixed in together. So I thought… we’re gonna be alright.
‘In the first few days, you’re like, “Oh my God, is this gonna work? Does she like me? Do I like her? We’re gonna be together for weeks…’
‘If you can find similar things funny, then you know you’re my type of person,’ added Katya.
Zara McDermott reveals her Strictly lucky charm
Someone else who has brushed off Strictly ‘curse’ speculation in the past is Zara McDermott, who is dating Sam Thompson, 31.
Sam himself insisted he wasn’t worried ahead of the series, having been going strong with Zara, 26, for four years now.
Zara’s Strictly journey has been an emotional one, after she found herself in the second dreaded dance-off. However, she has a secret lucky charm she keeps on her to get her and Graziano Di Prima through.
‘I think about my nan, who has sadly passed away now, and what she would be thinking seeing me here,’ said the documentary maker and long-time Strictly fan.
Zara McDermott has a special heirloom she keeps with her for luck (Picture: PA)
‘I have her watch, which I always take with me every Saturday to remind me of her and our memories together, which is very sweet. She would be jumping up and down right now!
‘So yeah, it’s something very special to me that I take on days when I need a bit of extra luck.’
Eddie Kadi encouraged to open up more by Strictly partner
Eddie Kadi has praised his pro Karen Hauer for encouraging him to open up with his emotions.
The comedian, 40, who scored a 10 in week 3 with his Men in Black routine, had nothing but a glowing review when asked about their partnership.
‘If you watch myself and Karen, in training, it’s intense, because I just focus. Once we get to training, I know I’ve got to listen and take it in and she understands the process and the pace in which I take things in.
Eddie Kadi and longest-serving pro Karen Hauer have a beautiful friendship (Picture: PA)
‘What then happens is, she understands the moments when we should just have a chat. Forget the dancing, let’s talk about life. And we laugh and laugh and laugh, sometimes for an hour, then dance for 15 minutes, but that hour is what fuels the 15 minutes.
‘Karen has a great sense of humour, extremely caring, and she comes from a family that’s also very loving, and she sees in my eyes. Sometimes, especially as a guy, we tend to not be as expressive, she lays the platform to be like, “How you feel right now, I want you to let it out,” and it’s a beautiful thing.’
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and iPlayer.
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Just dancing and friendship here!