Stricly hopeful Mike Bushell insists he and his new wife Emily are “delighted” he has been paired with Katya Jones, who was last year caught in a passionate clinch with her dance partner Seann Walsh.
Comedian Seann was then dumped by his girlfriend, and Katya later split from her husband Neil.
After the Mike and Katya partnership was revealed on Saturday’s show, one viewer posted a meme of toothy Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp laughing... before his face turned to one of horror.
The caption read: “Mike Bushell’s wife when she sees he got paired with Katya Jones on Strictly.”
Emily re-tweeted the message before posting a series of laughing emojis.
BBC Breakfast sports presenter Mike, 53, added: “We love Jurgen Klopp and his smile, but in all honestly Emily and I are chuffed to bits I have been paired with the incredible Katya Jones, the fabulously creative and one of the best choreographers on earth.
“Just look at the record. A proven winner and can’t wait.”
Mike wed marketing executive Emily in May – a year after they started dating.
He has three daughters from his first marriage to Kim Payne, which ended in divorce in 2009 after 16 years.
He and Emily met in 2017 when they were introduced at a mutual friend’s birthday celebrations in a pub.
They began dating the following year.
After Katya, 30, and Seann, 33, were caught kissing last year, her six-year marriage to Neil Jones, 37, also a Strictly dancer, ended.
But they performed together at the start of the new series on Saturday, in a show with ratings that hit 8.3 million, down on last year’s 8.5 million.
They danced together on a podium during the second group performance of the night. Neil was paired with ex- England and Arsenal footballer Alex Scott, 34, his first celebrity partner.
Anton Du Beke was possibly the happiest with his partner. He joked that he might have a chance of lifting the glitterball trophy after discovering he would be partnered with EastEnders actress Emma Barton, 42.
Anton, 53, has been on the show since its first series but has never won.
He has often been paired with the contest’s older stars, including Ann Widdecombe, 71, and Susannah Constantine, 57.
After Tess Daly, 50, announced the pairing, Anton hugged Emma and said: “So this is what it feels like. Book me in until Christmas.”
Talking to Claudia Winkleman, 47, he added: “I’d just like to say to all the other ladies on the show; I apologise, I know it seemed a bit of an over-reaction, but if you’ve been through what I’ve been through… I’ve gone all hot.”
Kevin Clifton, 36, who won last year with Stacey Dooley, 32, was partnered with TV presenter Anneka Rice, at 60, the oldest contestant this year.
Documentary-maker Stacy returned to the show to dance a fiery paso doble with Kevin, who is now her boyfriend.
Last year’s series was his first after splitting from his wife, dancer Karen Hauer, 37, while Stacey was in a relationship with Sam Tucknott at the time.
After Saturday’s performance, Stacey said: “That was so exhausting. I’m no good now.”
Asked if she had any advice for the new contestants, she said: “Just enjoy it, don’t take it too seriously, put the hours in, just do your best.”
Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley, 35, was paired with South African professional dancer Johannes Radebe, 32.
Bruno Tonioli, 63, Craig Revel Horwood, 54, and Shirley Ballas, 58, returned as judges, this year joined by newcomer Motsi Mabuse, 38.
Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, 30, featured in the launch episode and was due to dance with Motsi’s sister Oti Mabuse, 29.
But he has pulled out with an injury and will be replaced by Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, 35.
The live episodes of Strictly Come Dancing will begin on BBC One on September 21.
