STRICTLY Come Dancing's first pairing appears to have been 'confirmed' with just weeks until the new series starts.
Contestant Nick Knowles, 61, and professional Nadiya Bychkova, 35, were seen filming at a London shopping centre today, sparkling speculation they've been put together by bosses.
The DIY SOS star looked sharp in a blue suit while Nadiya exuded casual elegance in a white shirt and jeans.
The two seemed to be enjoying their time together, with Nadiya laughing as she chatted with a member of the BBC film crew.
Nadiya, who has been a pro dancer on Strictly since 2017, has been paired with a number of celebrities over the years.
These include Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker and Matt Goss.
But, last year, she wasn't partnered with anyone.
At the time, Dan led the backlash - comparing it to leaving football great Lionel Messi on the bench for a World Cup final.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Strictly is such an amazing show and it’s almost time for the new series, what a great line-up this year.
“All the pros are great but gutted to hear that @nadiyabychkova hasn’t got a partner.
“I’m sure she’s still looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV.
“But it feels like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!”
Nadiya was thought to be a shoo-in to be paired with a celeb, as she has since she joined six years ago.
It was a particular surprise given the BBC used her so predominantly in the publicity to drum up interest ahead of the start of the 21st series.
She still took part in group dances but fans were bewildered by her being denied a starring role with a partner — a sentiment said to be shared by Nadiya.
An insider said: “She’s terribly upset and so confused as her star wasn’t just rising, it was soaring.
“If she has done anything wrong, she has no idea what it is as she’s always dedicated herself to Strictly.
“Of course, she understands that among the dance troupe there are always more dancers than there are pairings.
“So it’s a little bit like rotating players in a football team.
“But many viewers will be wondering why someone who’s widely regarded as a striker ends up sitting on the subs’ bench when they have so much to offer the squad.”
Nadiya, who recently split with fellow pro Kai Widdrington, has built up a strong following since she first appeared in the cast.
Strictly has come under fire in recent months after abuse allegations.
And, last month, it was revealed that Nadiya had made a complaint against the show.
An insider told the Mail: "Nadiya got in touch out of the blue and wanted to talk to the bosses.
"They are taking every single murmur of a complaint seriously now so she was immediately asked in.
"She has been on the show for some years so will have seen and lot and possibly also experienced unpleasant behaviour, she will have worked with many people.
"Things really are getting serious now, it is a mess and it is getting worse by the day."
Giovanni Pernice was axed from the show in May after his former partner Amanda Abbington filed a complaint about him.
He denies all allegations.
Meanwhile Graziano Di Prima was fired in July after claims he hit, spat at and kicked his partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals last year.
