It wouldn’t be a series of Strictly Come Dancing without loads of juicy gossip about what’s really going on backstage.
And the latest story courtesy of the Strictly rumour mill suggests Alexandra Burke is “furious” her dancing partner Gorka Marquez has secretly been romancing fellow contestant Gemma Atkinson.
According to The Sun, former X Factor winner Alex, 29, is worried Gorka’s interest in Gem could mean he’s taking his eye off the glitterball trophy and jeopardising her chances of winning.
Eek!
A source said: “Gorka and Gemma are together. It’s the talk of the make-up room.
“Not surprisingly, Alexandra is furious about how it might impact her chances of winning. She’s very ambitious and is nervous about it all.”
The only confusing thing is that Gemma’s flat out denied she’s dating Gorka, 27.
In an interview with OK! magazine this week, the former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star said there’s no romance going on between them.
“The last thing I’m looking for at the minute is a boyfriend. I’m happy to be the crazy dog woman with meals for one,” she said.
“They’re like my kids. I throw birthday parties for them.”
Gemma, 32, said that as far as she can tell, rumours she was getting cosy with Gorka started after an online poll jokingly asked fans to choose which Stricly star she should hook up with.
Gorka was voted as the top choice which meant instant dating rumours.
The truth is apparently far more boring, according to Gem, who said she’s barely seen Gorka since Strictly started as everyone is so busy.
She also laughed off claims they were seen cuddling up at Gorka’s birthday party in September by pointing out he hadn’t actually had a birthday party…
“He’s a friend,” she insisted, “and the only thing we’ve shared is his guacamole recipe.”
The Key 103 radio presenter, who is dancing with Aljaz Skorjanec on Strictly, has been single since splitting from personal trainer boyfriend Olly Foster in 2016, after a two-year relationship.
While she’s said she isn’t dating Gorka, the blonde did quip to The Sun last month she’d welcome falling victim to the infamous Strictly curse given her single status.
“I’ve been single for ages so there wouldn’t be any curse for me,” she joked.
“It would be a blessing!”
That being said, Gemma has also lashed out in the past at constant speculation about her love life, saying it’s unfair to presume all single women are desperate to find a boyfriend or get married.
In a lengthy Instagram rant posted in January, the star said women’s career achievements should be celebrated and no one should be pressured into settling down.
“If one more person reminds me of “clocks ticking at your age” or “You should look at settling down soon” I will flip!” she raged.
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“Why do we drill into people that marriage is the main key to success in life?
“And not your inner happiness or drive to smash your career goals or work on yourself and only settle down and have a family and a partner when you feel ready too and not just because you’ve hit 30?
“Can we break the mould please and do what makes us happy and not what we feel pressured into by society?”
You tell ’em, Gem!