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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Strictly's Nikita splits with girlfriend of 5 years to 'focus' on show with Ellie Simmonds

Strictly professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin has reportedly broken up with his girlfriend of five years, fellow dancer Nicole Wirt.

The decision is said to be mutual, with both dancers busy with work, and Nicole mainly based in Germany.

Last week on Strictly, Nikita, 24, and his Paralympic champion partner Ellie Simmonds, 27, were praised for their "magical" waltz, and came fifth on the leaderboard.

A source told The Sun: “Nikita wanted to totally focus on this series of Strictly and decided a while back he wanted to end his relationship with Nicole.

“They had been together for five years and it ended up being a mutual decision. Nicole is mainly based in Germany and she is getting busier with work."

Nikita and Nicole were together for five years, but have now reportedly broken up (nikita__kuzmin/Instagram)

Nicole, did stay in London to visit Nikita but their schedules were making that difficult, the source said, adding that the pair only want the best for each other.

The BBC and Nikita declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.

The insider said that for now Nikita "wants to put all of his focus on Ellie and their journey on Strictly."

After Saturday's waltz, Nikita took to Instagram to praise Ellie and thank their fans.

Sharing a clip of the pair, he wrote: "Beautiful and emotional evening. Hard week, but payed off at the end.

Nikita and Ellie were praised by the judges for their waltz on Saturday evening (PA)
Nikita is said to be completely focussed on this series of Strictly, amid his split from Nicole (Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)

"We had a feeling that we are doing something special and something that’s bigger that us. Well done @elliesimmonds always fighting back, giving it all and performing at best under pressure like the champ that you are."

The pro dancer went on: "Grateful to be there for another week. Thank you everyone who is there for us [love heart emoji] MOVIES WEEK WE ARE COMING [stars emoji]"

In the rehearsal studio, in scenes aired during Saturday's episode, Nikita and Ellie spoke about how they were adapting the waltz for the sportswoman's achondroplasia dwarfism – and were proud of breaking new ground.

After their performance to Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis, Ellie appeared emotional and wiped away tears as the judges give their feedback.

Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "There's so much magic in something so simple and that's what you did today. It was just beautifully executed."

She went on: "You show people we can all do what we love."

Motsi Mabuse had huge praise for the performance, adding: "You guys are just special what can I say."

Nikita and Nicole are said to only want what is best for each other (nikita__kuzmin/Instagram)
The pair's break up was mutual, it has been reported (Instagram)

Fans took to Twitter to share their praise, with one person saying: "Holy Moly Ellie Simmonds dancing to Can't Help Falling In Love has just finished me n @acacia_jude off #Strictly ".

Earlier in the week week, Nikita and Ellie spoke about how adapted the dance.

Speaking on This Morning, the pro dancer said: "Realistically, it's quite a lot but at the same time we still have the same technique. We still have the same rules but I think we're doing something very special so we're investing all our hearts into everything."

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