We’re Strictly professional
Lee reassures girlfriend over Nadiya
LEE Ryan yesterday insisted his relationship with TV dance partner Nadiya Bychkova is Strictly professional – by re-affirming his love for on-off girlfriend Samantha Miller.
The Blue singer Lee posted a snap with Sammi on his Instagram page, alongside a heart symbol. She had earlier responded to pictures published showing Lee and Nadiya looking cosy with the remark: “I’ve got a thing for genuine people.”
Nadiya – who has a Slovenian footballer boyfriend Matija Skarabot – and Lee were pictured holding hands while out in London’s Primrose Hill. Lee, 35, was also spotted nuzzling her cheek and putting his arm around her. It was just a week after they began rehearsals, leading to claims that the Strictly curse had struck again. But Lee hit back with a photograph of himself out shopping with Samantha, which he captioned: “@misssamanthajeny If you can’t laugh, you’ll cry.” Personal trainer Samantha liked the post, while Lee answered, “No, babe” to a fan who asked if he and Nadiya were dating.
Sources on Strictly claimed Lee was “besotted” with the Ukrainian professional dancer, who was called a “maneater” on the Slovenian version of the show.
Samantha, 34, has a son Rayn, nine, with the former Eastenders actor, with whom she has been in a volatile relationship since 2007 – including Lee being charged with assault after allegedly hitting her in 2009. The charges were dropped at her request.