England rugby union star Ugo Monye has sparked speculation he is partnered with Strictly pro Oti Mabuse.
Official announcements of the celebrity and dancer pairings will not be made until Saturday's launch episode, however the star, 38, was spotted arriving for rehearsals at a London studio a mere two minutes before the South African dancer, 31, on Thursday.
It comes five days after Ugo split from his wife of five years Lucy, 32. The pair share two daughters Phoenix, four, and Ruby, one.
Partners? England rugby union star Ugo Monye, 38, has sparked speculation he is partnered with Strictly pro Oti Mabuse, 31
Two minutes: Ugo arrived for rehearsals at a London studio a mere two minutes before Oti on Thursday
A Question of Sport team captain Ugo cut a low-key figure in a black hoodie and shorts, with the star also wearing a baseball cap backwards.
He carried a large rucksack on his back.
Oti also appeared keen to go under the radar, stepping out with her hood up.
In a new interview, Ugo told how the break up has been a 'tough period for us both' and that there was no 'third party' involved, quipping: 'Forget the Strictly curse - it's the Covid curse!'
Low-key: Ugo cut a low-key figure in a black hoodie and shorts, with the star also wearing a baseball cap backwards
Under the radar: Oti also appeared keen to go under the radar, stepping out with her hood up
Official: Official announcements of the celebrity and dancer pairings will not be made until Saturday's launch episode
Leggings: Oti teamed her black hoody with patterned blue leggings, leg warmers and black trainers
He told The Sun: 'It's been hard, at times things have seemed a bit overwhelming but it's been a tough period for us both. In some relationships there is a moment, a 'thing', that breaks the couple.
'It can be an exterior influence. It can be anything. But with us it was a number of things. We weren't in a volatile relationship, we never hated each other and there was no third party. Forget the Strictly curse — it's the Covid curse! We ended up where we ended up.
'It's been a difficult, multi-faceted situation but there is no animosity. We've got two incredible young girls who we love so much, so our focus is very much on the kids, protecting and fostering this amazing family unit.'
Split: It comes five days after Ugo split from his wife of five years Lucy, 32. The pair share two daughters Phoenix, four, and Ruby, one
Honest: In a new interview he told how the break up has been a 'tough period for us both' and that there was no 'third party' involved, quipping: 'Forget the Strictly curse — it's the Covid curse!'
He added that he and Lucy are currently in a 'good place' and have even been discussing the idea of going on holiday as a family next summer, going on to say that she is an 'amazing person' and 'incredible mum'.
Ugo reportedly moved out of the family home in West London a few weeks ago.
If the doting father is indeed paired with Oti, he'll be in good stead to go far in this year's ballroom competition.
Not only did Oti win last year's Strictly with comedian Bill Bailey, but she and Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher were also crowned winners in 2019.
Family: The England rugby union star and new A Question of Sport team captain, 38, shares two daughters Phoenix, four, and Ruby, one, with Lucy who he met in 2014
Honest: He told The Sun : 'It's been hard, at times things have seemed a bit overwhelming but it's been a tough period for us both. In some relationships there is a moment, a 'thing', that breaks the couple'
However Oti and Kelvin's win was not without its fair share of drama.
Oti garnered headlines after being pictured on nights out with Emmerdale star Kelvin, with his arm around her waist.
Kelvin was forced to insist that 'everything is amazing' with his wife Liz Marsland after he was spotted having a 3.30am nightcap with Oti.
Winner: Not only did Oti win last year's Strictly with comedian Bill Bailey, but she and Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher were also crowned winners in 2019
Oh dear: Oti garnered headlines after being pictured on nights out with Emmerdale star Kelvin, with his arm around her waist
Speaking to The Sun, the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 winner said: 'I am just a little bit bewildered by all the attention.'
He added: 'But I am sure it will all blow over.'
Liz was seen without her wedding ring the day headlines broke, however was photographed wearing it 24 hours later.
Oti has been married to husband Marius Lepure for eight years.
All good: Kelvin was forced to insist that 'everything is amazing' with his wife Liz Marsland after he was spotted having a 3.30am nightcap with Oti
