BBC Strictly's Jowita Przystal makes sweet admission about Pete Wicks before things turn awkward

Strictly Come Dancing's Jowita Przystal has candidly spoken about her "connection" with co-star Pete Wicks.

Despite whispers of a blossoming romance due to their palpable 'chemistry' observed by viewers, the duo continue to maintain they are nothing more than friends amongst escalating rumours.

During her chat on It Takes Two this evening, Jowita expressed her thoughts about Pete, lauding him as "such a gentleman" and commending his "old fashioned soul" which she feels when they share their "connection" in ballroom dance.

On the programme tonight, Jowita shared: "I think Pete is such a gentleman and he puts his arms in a frame and hold me and always likes to be in contact with me. I feel he's such an old school old fashioned soul so he likes that connection when we do ballroom. I think he likes to have control over me so that's why he likes ballroom."

Yet, the mood tweaked slightly towards the end of the show when Pete received a surprise birthday cake for tomorrow's celebration.

Host Janette Manrara brought attention to the occasion, exclaiming, "It's a big day tomorrow which needs celebration! It's your birthday tomorrow! " leaving Pete visibly uncomfortable as Jowita applauded and Neil Jones and Karen Hauer, fellow Strictly professionals, brought out a cake complete with pom pom fanfare, prompting Pete to somewhat embarrassedly hide his face.

Pete addressed speculation about a "love bubble" with Jowita on This Morning, saying: "It's not a love bubble unfortunately, you came in early that was about 30 seconds.

"We have great chemistry because we've become such good friends. She's one of the most amazing people I've ever met, genuinely, not just in the dancing side of things, but outside of that, and I think that helps us with the dancing."

When questioned about the impact of these rumours, Pete replied: "It's always the same. I'm used to it. For ten years that's all anyone has ever really been interested in, is that side of stuff. But we don't really listen to all of that."

Meanwhile, Maura Higgins, reportedly dating Pete Wicks, recently shared on the We Need To Talk podcast: "We just get on very, very well," but chose not to reveal any further details.

*Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.