Just four months ago, Stacey Dooley had it all - the proud boyfriend she was settling down with, a shiny household name and a glitzy Glitter Ball trophy from her Strictly Come Dancing win with Kevin Clifton.
But a few weeks on and Stacey has set tongues wagging with a rumoured romance with Kevin, having split from her partner of three years Sam Tucknott in March - and become the 14th couple broken up by the so-called Strictly Curse.
Now, certain sources are suggesting Stacey's new-found love with Kevin hasn't entirely come from the heart - but rather was a cool-headed decision to kick her career up to the next level.
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One such insider told the Sun : "Getting on Strictly made Stacey a household name but winning was her breakthrough. The team around her had been preparing to propel her into the mainstream spotlight. They felt Sam could hold Stacey back."
They went on: "Sam turned up to the studios in a tracksuit a couple of times and there were raised eyebrows.
"Stacey's team want her with someone sharp and shiny. Kevin has charisma, he's a household name and he's well liked. Stacey knows that too - as well as falling for him, she knows Kevin will help lift her."
Kevin is yet to break his silence over claims they're now dating, but Stacey did issue a statement early on Monday morning.
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"Anyone with any adult life experience knows there are 2 sides to every story," she tweeted.
" I haven't got the time or energy to correct some of the utter nonsense I've read on here. Re Sam, I loved him v much and only wish him happiness and success going forward."
Devastated Sam had told of finding gushing messages between the two dance partners on Stacey's phone as they were clearing out their flat having agreed to break up.
"I was getting my stuff to leave. Stacey was in the loo," he revealed on Sunday.
"Her phone went and it was Kevin Clifton - 'I love you' with a red love heart."
Branding his love rival "an absolute rat" and a "slippery, slimy snake", Sam laid the blame squarely at Kevin's feet.
"He's an absolute complete f**king rat with no b******s or decency to hear me out. The fact he won't have a man-to-man conversation with me says everything about the guy," Sam added.
Mirror Online has contacted Stacey's rep for comment.
