‘She was the only one I was allowed to touch’: Strictly’s Dan Walker addresses curse rumours after he was seen hugging professional partner Nadiya Bychkova backstage at the show
He’s been plagued by Strictly curse rumours after being spotted sharing an embrace with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
But Dan Walker has insisted he only engaged in the backstage hug because his dance partner was the only person he was allowed to touch due to Covid rules.
The BBC Breakfast host, 44, who has been married to wife Sarah since 2001, grew emotional after watching a re-run of an interview with his late friend Gary Speed.
Dan Walker has insisted he only engaged in a backstage hug with Nadiya Bychkova because his dance partner was the only person he was allowed to touch due to Covid rules
Having died by suicide ten years ago aged 42, the football player had a close friendship with the broadcaster, who had interviewed him only the day before he took his own life in November 2011.
Branding rumours of a secret romance ‘disappointing’, Dan told The Sun: ‘I needed to release emotionally from everything I’d been bottling up in the week.
‘There was only one person I was allowed to touch in the entire production that night and that was my partner.’
Candid: Branding rumours of a secret romance ‘disappointing’, Dan said: ‘I needed to release emotionally from everything I’d been bottling up in the week’
The newsreader sought solace after he was left ‘sort of broken’ when Gary’s sister texted to thank him for the tribute during the ballroom show.
He had recently recorded a Football Focus special which commemorated the tenth anniversary of the winger’s death, and showed a sneak preview in the VT of the BBC favourite.
He went on to reveal that Nadiya made him feel ‘a lot better’, after saying ‘nice things’, which is exactly what he needed, by admission.
Other half: The BBC Breakfast host, 44, who has been married to wife Sarah since 2001, grew emotional after watching a re-run of an interview with his late friend Gary Speed (pictured in October 2021)
Dan said: ‘I know these happen every year on Strictly, and there have been instances in the past of the so-called curse, and it’s just telly. But it’s just not nice.’
A source had informed The Sun that the pair, who made it through to the quarterfinals of the dancing show last Sunday, were seen hugging while Dan cried on the Ukrainian-Slovenian’s shoulder.
The insider continued: ‘Dan was in bits because he had watched a re-run of his interview with Gary which took place the day before he died.
Tragic: Having died by suicide ten years ago aged 42, the football player had a close friendship with the broadcaster, who had interviewed him only the day before he took his own life in November 2011 (pictured in March 2011)
‘The two were very close, and it was a haunting, harrowing watch. Dan tried to hold it together, but the emotion of the evening became too much after their dance.’
It was also reported that there had been backstage gossip surrounding their closeness, but the source insisted it was ‘entirely innocent’.
‘She has been his rock, not just this week, but every week. Dan is so grateful for her friendship,’ the source concluded, also noting that you ‘cannot fake the bond they have.’
Dan shared a tribute to his late friend on Twitter on the tenth anniversary of his death, writing alongside the video: ‘I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since Gary Speed’s death. I hope this helps someone…’
Creating a thread underneath, the star added: ‘If you’ve been moved by the Gary Speed tribute today… please watch this video and post something underneath that could help or encourage someone who might be struggling.
‘We can genuinely make a difference. Thank you for all the amazing messages.’
If you have been affected by anything in this story, call the Samaritans on 116 123, email [email protected] or click here.
Supportive: He went on to reveal that Nadiya made him feel ‘a lot better’, after saying ‘nice things’, which is exactly what he needed, by admission (pictured in December 2021)
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