Strictly’s Jay McGuiness dismisses rumours of romance with dance partner Aliona Vilani

After an “intense” and romantic waltz left Strictly contestant Jay McGuiness with the highest score last night, further speculation was cast over the exact nature of his relationship with dance partner Aliona Vilani.

It was a dance of which judge Darcey Bussell said: “The intensity you had on Aliona was fantastic.” And fellow judge Len Goodman said it “got him excited.” Erm, calm down there, Len.

But former The Wanted star has brushed off rumours that their relationship is anything but professional and platonic.

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, he said:

“Aliona is happily married to an Irish fellow who I think is a legend.”

The dancing instructor married sales director Vincent Kavanagh in 2014.

But nonetheless, rumours that Jay and Aliona are overly close began circulating when they were pictured being very cuddly throughout the Pride of Britain awards on Monday, hugging and sharing a seat for most of the ceremony.

So of course, people feared that the Strictly curse had struck once again.

But Jay insists:

He continued:

“I am single but I didn’t expect to meet someone on Strictly.

“As some of The Wanted’s fans pointed out, it’s a dance show, not a dating show. There won’t be any wandering eyes, either.”

So there you have it – Jay’s eyes will be staying put, no matter how intense and romantic a performance he gives.

So no worries, Vincent. And as Joey Tribbiani taught Chandler Bing and the rest of the world: “So as long as it's hot onstage you got nothing to worry about. It's when the heat goes away, that's when you're in trouble."