25 November 2023 , 18:30
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Professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin endured a painful split after falling victim to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing 'curse'.
The 25-year-old star - who is partnered with Layton Williams this series - has endured something of a rollercoaster love life, dating models and famous women before debuting his hot new romance at Blackpool last weekend.
He was previously in a relationship with fellow professional dancer, Nicole Wirt, for five years, but they split in October 2022, fuelling curse rumours.
The previous Christmas, the couple had been more loved-up than ever, with Nicole gushing about her boyfriend on social media. She wrote at the time: "I could have never imagined how our story together would go on till this very day, but here we are in December 2021: happy & grateful for what was and hungry & excited for all the new experiences, challenges and blessings which are ahead of us."
Nikita Kuzmin and ex-girlfriend Nicole Wirt (nikita__kuzmin/Instagram)A source told The Sun that Nikita was the one who pulled the plug because he wanted to concentrate on his career. "Nikita wanted to totally focus on this series of Strictly and decided a while back he wanted to end his relationship with Nicole," a source said.
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"They had been together for five years and it ended up being a mutual decision. Nicole is mainly based in Germany and she is getting busier with work."
The insider added that Nikita wanted "to put all of his focus on (celebrity dance partner) Ellie (Simmonds) and their journey on Strictly."
The Ukrainian dancer was later linked to Australian TikTok star and sex podcaster Charlie Backshall, whose podcast The Hotline included graphic details of their bedroom antics. In an episode titled 'We're Back and I'm Still in Love', she talked about a raunchy act she performed with a man believed to be Nikita that made her a 'new woman'.
Nikita split with Nicole to focus on Strictly (Instagram)
Nikita moved on with Australian sex podcaster Charlie Backshall (Instagram)However, a source told the Daily Mail that he'd been keen to keep her racy career a secret for fear of isolating Strictly fans. "Nikita is very aware of his brand and the fact that he stars on the most family friendly show on TV, so dating a sex podcaster conflicts hugely," the insider said.
"He wanted to keep the relationship a secret until after the 2022 series had finished because he didn't want it overshadowing his part in the show, where he danced with Paralympic star Ellie. But now Charlie is speaking openly about their relationship he knows it'll soon come out. He really likes her and hopes their romance will work long distance."
Sadly it wasn't to be, and he has since move on with Lauren Jaine, who was seen arriving at the Strictly studios earlier this month. Nikita had been in a secret relationship with the model and social media influencer, and Lauren was seen queuing alongside Jeff Brazier, who was there to support his son Bobby.
Her appearance at the studios comes a week after she was seen cosying up with the pro dancer, with their relationship reportedly being given the blessing of their respective families.
Nikita and his current girlfriend Lauren (@nikita__kuzmin/instagram)Nikita's sister Anastasia, a fellow dancer who lives in Italy, flew into the UK last month to visit her brother and was seen taking selfies with Lauren as they took in a theatre show on the West End. Sources have told The Sun about the connection Nikita has made with Lauren and that they were beginning to become more public with their relationship.
The insider said: "Nikita and Lauren have been dating for months and seem to have an amazing connection. The pair have tried to keep their romance under the radar but they have been attending events together and are really enjoying each other's company."
The source added that Nikita's fellow Strictly pros have embraced the partnership and believe the couple are made for each other. They said: "Lauren joined Nikita and his parents at Saturday's live show and he was chuffed to have her in the crowds supporting him. His Strictly co-stars also think they are a great match and are rooting for the pair."
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