22 December 2023 , 09:18
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Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin is enjoying a well earned break with his girlfriend after the latest gruelling season of the show.
The 25-year-old Ukrainian star was the mastermind of numerous sizzling dance routines on the long-running BBC show as he and celebrity partner Layton Williams, 29, waltzed all the way to the final of the 21st season of the show. And while the boys didn’t quite win the show - being pipped at the post by Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola - he won many new admirers for his fancy footwork.
But those that might have a crush on the blonde haired star should be aware he is all loved up with girlfriend model girlfriend Lauren Jaine. After three months of exhausting routines and weeks of daily training, Nikita has jetted off to get some winter sun with his proud girlfriend.
The duo are sunning themselves in the Middle East - and Nikita has been sharing updates for his fans to admire. Unleashing a cache of images from their trip, Nikita wrote: “Last couple of days in Dubai” alongside an emoji of the sun.
Nikita Kuzmin and girlfriend Lauren Jaine are enjoying a romantic holiday together (Instagram)In the collection of snaps, Nikita shared a photo of himself snuggling against Lauren - who was smiling enthusiastically beside him. And other images showed her posing in front of a fountain, and modelling a pink bikini on a beach. Nikita also shared a string of images of himself posing in the sea, on the beach, and reclining on a sun lounger.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
Dance partner Layton approved of the images and wrote: “Well deserved me thinks” - the pair having made it to within touching distance of the Glitterball Trophy together. Nikita and Lauren went ‘Instagram official’ in October after weeks of speculation that they were dating each other. The stunning duo had been arriving at events together and Lauren quickly won over some of his Strictly co-stars.
Before they confirmed their romance online, a source told The Sun of their emerging romance: "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 Strictly star has been dating the model for months (Instagram)"They have been spending a lot of time together and even went on holiday together in the summer… 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."
Indeed, Lauren was one of Nikita’s most loyal supporters during the 2023 season of Strictly - taking to social media to support him and Layton in their campaign to win the Glitterball Trophy. On the eve of the live final earlier this month, she wrote: “The boys are FINALISTS!
“Seeing your hard work and determination week on week has been absolutely incredible. Every single dance that you have performed has amazed me beyond words, and I am so proud to have been able to see your partnership and friendship blossom. In my eyes, the unprecedented things you have achieved this year mean that you have already won - but I know how much you both want to lift that glitterball, and I know you are going to put everything into your performances next Saturday. Congratulations to you both (and thank you for letting me third wheel).”
Nikita beamed as he soaked up some rays in the sea (Instagram)Nikita and Layton wowed fans for three months during their time on the show - and were emotional as their dance show journey came to an end. Nikita said to Strictly host Claudia Winkelman following their final dance: "It's just that she's saying goodbye and I looked him in the eyes, and I realised it's the end." On their final performance, Layton added: "It felt special to close the show with it, our last dance."
Strictly fans were warmed by the friendship that blossomed between the boys, with many flooding social media to share their support after the final. One fan wrote: "Will miss seeing you guys slay the house down every week! you’ve brought so much joy and pride to so many people! you should be so proud of yourselves." And another added: "What a gorgeous friendship you guys have - loved every single dance! x".
Strictly will return for a festive special on Christmas day - although Nikita will be taking a back seat during the show. A string of celebs will be dancing in front of the judges including historian Dan Snow, Sugababes icon Keisha Buchanan and BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent.