STRICTLY’S Dan Walker has been a “pillar of strength” for dance partner Nadiya Bychkova following her split from fiancé Matija Škarabot, according to reports.
The BBC star and Ukrainian dancer struck up a strong bond during their time on the show and they remain close friends.
A source told the Mail: “Dan and Nadiya have such a great bond and he has been a pillar of strength and support for her following the breakup with Matija.
“The bond between them started during Strictly, leaving the cast and crew surprised at how close they became. They were literally inseparable and got on so well and this has continued even now the series is over.’
While another insider added: “Dan and Nadiya enjoy a deep and special bond, which has really helped her to get on with her new life following the split.”
Married father-of-three Dan, 44, previously told us that whispers of the Strictly curse striking again were “disappointing” after the pair were pictured hugging.
After a particularly stressful week of rehearsals and the death of a friend, Dan turned to the one person he was allowed to touch while in his Strictly Covid bubble.
He said: “I needed to release emotionally from everything I’d been bottling up in the week.”
Nadiya has been unfollowed by ex Matija, who is the father of her five-year-old daughter, following the news of their break up.
Matija, 33, remains in Slovenia where he plays for local club ND Primorje, while Nadiya is based in the UK for Strictly, where she is focused on the tour, which will see her dance with Dan Walker again.
He no longer follows Nadiya on Instagram, in a sign that the romance is over for good, while Nadiya hadn’t posted about him for almost seven months.
Nadiya, who was previously married for two years to Russian dancer Sergey Konovaltsev, has also stopped wearing her diamond engagement ring.
The Celeb Report revealed how Nadiya has been comforted by fellow pro Kai Widdrington after secretly splitting from her fiance.
She also confided in Dan about the break up as they trained for the show.
Nadiya has since formed a “very strong” friendship with Kai, 26.
Last night a source said: “Nadiya and Kai have incredible chemistry, and a very strong friendship.
“Right from week one they connected, and are always laughing and messing about.
“Nadiya and Matija actually separated months ago and obviously Nadiya confided in Dan at the time.”
The pro, who made her debut on Strictly in 2017, struck up a close friendship with 6ft 6in Dan during the last series.
The duo were also firm favourites with Strictly viewers and got through to the BBC1 show’s quarter finals.
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