Romance? There’s no cha cha chance

Saffron is too busy for love

STRICTLY star Saffron Barker has ruled out providing the hit show’s latest romance – because she is simply too busy to be bothered by a beau.

Last year’s series brought together three couples in Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley, Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell and Giovanni Pernice and Ashley Roberts.

But while YouTuber Saffron is single and her close friendship with pro partner AJ Pritchard has raised eyebrows, she insists she is too busy to think about finding a fella.

Asked if there was romance on the horizon, the 19-year-old said: “I don’t have time. I’m devoting all my time to Strictly. I’m dancing all day.”

AJ, 25, who is dating fellow dancer Abbie Quinnen, has also rubbished claims he and Saffron are anything more than good pals.

Saffron was so keen to avoid the bottom two as she did the samba with AJ to Walking On Sunshine last night that they had been putting in 11-hour training sessions.

AJ said: “We had to finish early because Saffron’s legs were in that much pain.” Saffron was spooked after narrowly avoiding the boot in Blackpool last weekend – with the judges choosing to send RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage home instead.

She said: “It was really emotional for us because we are absolutely gutted, devastated.

“I am so grateful that Shirley saved us and we have been working as hard as is physically and mentally possible. Dancing has become my life.” Saffron also revealed that the BBC competition has provided a welcome escape after a scare this week.

The vlogger was shocked after her family home in Brighton – where she lives with her parents and three brothers – was targeted by burglars in a 3am raid. Three cars and several designer handbags were stolen.

Saffron said: “Me and my family are just so grateful we are all safe. That’s the most important thing.

“I’m so busy I’m dancing all the time and that’s keeping my mind off it. The support from everyone has really definitely got us through.”