Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova has revealed a sweet insight into her relationship with former celebrity dance partner Dan Walker as they continue their friendship over three years since starring together on the show.
The 35-year-old Ukrainian dancer was partnered up with former BBC Breakfast host Dan, 47, on the 2021 series of the reality show, with the pair going on the come fifth in the series. But they have remained good friends, with Dan spotted celebrating Nadiya's birthday with her in December.
Married dad-of-three Dan has been with his wife Sarah since the pair met while at university together in Sheffield, with the pair dating for two years before tying the knot in 2001. They share three children, Joe, Jessica and Susanna.
But Dan and Nadiya, who are often spotted at events together, appear to have a secret code between them, using lobster emojis when speaking to each other on social media. The phrase "you're my lobster" was coined on hit US sitcom friends, when character Phoebe Buffay said that Ross and Rachel were 'lobsters'.
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BBC)The famous scene saw Phoebe address the couple, who were in an on-off relationship for years, telling them: "She's your lobster. Come on, you guys. It's a known fact that lobsters fall in love and mate for life." Dan and Nadiya also stunned audiences during their Strictly stint together, when they dressed as lobsters for the Halloween live show, and danced a jive to Rock Lobster by The B-52's
Of course, with Dan spoken for, the pair's expression of friendship towards each other is platonic, but sweet none-the-less. In an Instagram post last week, Nadiya wrote how she took a trip to Sheffield with Dan, to promote her upcoming tour, A Special Evening with Nadiya Bychkova.
The pair posed for a photo together, with Dan looking dapper in a tux, and glam Nadiya wearing a stunning red gown. Nadiya wrote: "It was great to catch up with my old strictly partner @mrdanwalker who has agreed to come an interview me and host the Q&A in Sheffield on the 19th of February and Barnsley on the 1st of March… I may even persuade him to show us a few steps," followed by some lobster emojis.
Nadiya added: "I fell in love with the city when I trained here with Dan a few years ago and I can’t wait to come back and bring my show to Yorkshire." Fans were delighted to see their reunion, with one writing: "Gorgeous photos Nadiya! What a beautiful special friendship you & Dan have I love it!" They added: "You & Dan have to do the lobster dance it’s iconic & never forgotten one of strictly dances never to be forgotten! My favourite couple ever on Strictly! Have the best time together!"
Meanwhile, another fan wrote: "Team Lobster reunion we all needed!!! Just love you two so much," with a third commenting: "Sorry Dan but you and Nadiya are meant to be."
Nadiya, who is single following her split from fellow Strictly pro Kai Widdrington in summer 2024, celebrated her birthday night out in December. She spent it with a group of pals, including Dan, wearing a silver beaded dress and enjoying a spot of caviar tasting at The Ritz - although neither of them stated they were together on social media.
She wrote on Instagram: "The most magical evening. Celebrating our belated birthdays with my dear @jemmabolt, celebrating friendship, celebrating life. Last night couldn't be more perfect. It was like a fairytale." The mum-of-one continued: "The most iconic place @theritzlondon. With the most incredible people."
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