Jamie Borthwick reveals close bond with Strictly partner Michelle, quashes romance rumours

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has opened up about the 'Strictly curse' and said it's not something he and his pro dancer partner need to worry about

Actor Jamie Borthwick has quashed any speculation of a romance with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Michelle Tsiakkas, saying she takes on a nurturing role in their partnership and that he admires her boyfriend from afar.

The pair, who displayed an undeniable rapport during the launch show, complete with playful nicknames, have struck up a sibling-like relationship. Jamie, currently single, emphasised that there's no need for concern about the infamous 'Strictly curse'. He shared: "The idea of that whole Strictly curse, well it's definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister. Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection. But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She's looking after me, she's mothering me."

Jamie, 30, long-time star of EastEnders as Jay Brown, also expressed his admiration for Michelle's partner Simone Arena, whom he has yet to meet. He said: "Her boyfriend doesn't know it yet because we've never met, but he's my rock already. I've been looking him up, watching him dance on his shows and I'm like, 'Mate, you're my icon'. He's an absolutely fantastic dancer."

Michelle, 29, is confident that when Jamie and Simone finally meet, they will forge a great bond. She added: "He hasn't met Jamie yet, but I think when they do, it's going to be just this lovely relationship that we all have. Jamie and I are like brother and sister, we have established such a lovely connection so early, which is special," reports the Mirror.

Jamie and Michelle are gearing up for their first live show tonight, despite being less than two weeks into training. Jamie admitted the intense preparation is taking a toll on him: "Already it's like Strictly's won. It has broken me already and I'm only a few days in. But I'm trying to keep that secret, because I'm one of the youngest. I should be flying through it but actually, everyone else is smashing it and they're all full of beans and I'm like, 'Nah'. Although while I'm moaning I still love it. It's not that I'm not enjoying it, it's just the reality of it has hit me quick and hard."

Having bagged last year's Strictly Christmas Special with a top score of 40, Jamie faces high expectations to win again, which is adding to his stress. "Everyone's really making that known but this is a totally different ballgame. Compared to this, Christmas was an absolute doddle. Me and Nancy (Xu) were there for two weeks to learn one dance. It was brilliant but it was so easy peasy. And the Christmas show is a little bit more light hearted than the main show."

He continued to downplay his Christmas success: "I only scored a 40 because it was Christmas. I'm being real, it's just my view on this whole 'Jamie's done the Christmas show so he's got an advantage'. Everything I learnt at Christmas I've completely forgotten. And the reality of doing the main show has hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm going to bed counting steps, it's always on my brain."

Michelle commented: "It's the initial shock to the body, which I think all the celebrities will experience, where you're moving your body in a way that it's not used to."

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Jamie confessed his love for fast food and admitted to being inherently lazy. He said: "I don't eat well," and "I love my McDonald's, Nando's, pizza. Then I'll think, right I've got to have some sea bass and spinach now. I'm really fussy. I don't like wet foods. So I don't have gravy on my roast, I don't have milk on my cereal. I don't like sauces, I don't like soups, I don't like stews. Michelle's allowed me to order Nando's every day. But I'm lazy, you need to nudge me. I'm one of those people, if I can get a little second to skive away I will. And Michelle knows that, she's got to keep an eye on me."

Jamie expressed his comfort with tonight's routine but also shared his fears. He stated: "I'm sure the nerves will be flying around, but every couple is in their own little bubble, backing each other. My obvious worry would be that I fall over or something. A tiny bit of me is hoping that happens as then it's out the way. My biggest fear would be done. I'm sure there will be mistakes, but Michelle and I just want to have a laugh, enjoy the buzz of live telly and doing something a little dangerous."

Not to be outdone by the famous pair, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, singer Toyah Willcox, and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean have all found a great connection with their respective dance partners Aljaz Skorjanec, Neil Jones, and Nadiya Bychkova, their social media updates suggest a blooming camaraderie.

Jamie shared his own perspective on the experience, stressing the importance of enjoyment. "As long as we're enjoying it and having fun, it kind of doesn't matter. I'm not sure about the tanning, I quite like my pale, gaunt look. But the costumes? Yeah, let's have it all."

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