BBC Strictly Come Dancing star confirms split from girlfriend

Strictly Come Dancing's Tom Dean and his girlfriend have decided to end their relationship. However, this is not the 2024 version of the "Strictly curse".

The 24 year old Olympic gold medallist, who was the first celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly’s 20th-anniversary series, left both viewers and his professional partner speechless with his early exit.

Tom was partnered with Ukrainian ballroom and Latin champion Nadiya Bychkova, 35, who recently experienced her own heartbreak after breaking up with boyfriend and fellow pro Kai Widdrington, 29. However, it is understood that Tom’s breakup with girlfriend Charlotte Phillips was not due to the infamous Strictly curse.

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According to the Daily Mail, the athlete and communications executive 'amicably' split just two weeks into his Strictly journey. Insiders suggest their year-long romance had simply reached its natural conclusion.

Tom and Lottie had reportedly been having difficulties for some time and had been slowly 'drifting apart'. An insider shared: "Like in so many breakups, Tom and Lottie’s year-long relationship had naturally run its course, and it has nothing to do with Strictly; it just happened to be in the first two weeks that they decided to part ways."

They are still good friends and it’s all amicable between them.

Despite an unexpectedly short stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Tom remains tight-knit with his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova. They've been seen at prestigious events like the Pride of Britain Awards together, and just last week, enjoyed a culinary outing side by side.

Nadiya, who didn't partner up with a celeb last year on the show, shared snaps online, prompting Tom to respond: "What an afternoon. Best food and best company."