Judi Love has dismissed speculation about her Strictly Come Dancing co-star Adam Peaty and his professional partner Katya Jones, saying "a performance was executed".
The Olympic swimmer and the dancer performed a steamy Argentine tango to Fleetwood Mac's Tango In The Night on Saturday's live show, and the routine ended with the pair posing with their faces just inches apart.
Asked about the "moment" between the pair by Coleen Nolan during an appearance on ITV's Loose Women, Judi said: "Do you know what I think people need to understand?
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"When you're a dancer, you are a performer, you're an actress, you're an actor, you're a dancer, you're everything in that moment.
"And at the end, people don't realise you have to hold a pose.
"So they're amazing, they're amazing dancers, amazing performance, and that's what I saw - a performance that was executed and held in that position for the camera and for the audience."
After the show, Adam responded to fans speculating that the pair came close to kissing, saying: "My favourite dance so far.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent supporting messages! I loved it.
"To everyone who wants to see what they want, your comments have real-life consequences.
"I will not be overcome or lowered by your gossip. Protect your energy."
Adam's girlfriend Eiri Munro, with whom he shares a son, has also mocked the controversy, sharing a video on TikTok in which she comedically cries over the moment.
Judi added: "I think the main thing is that people at home, and the relationships people are in, and the performance - what they're doing is entertainment.
"And for people to realise that their comments do make an effect on people."
