JOE: I’M NO CHEAT
gossip Strictly star’s hurt by
JOE Sugg is heartbroken he has been blamed for ruining his Strictly partner’s relationship.
The social media star, 27, is so close to pro Diane Buswell, 29, it was claimed he caused her split from TV actor Anthony Quinlan, 33.
They are the latest couple to be hit by the so-called Strictly curse.
In a chat with the Daily Star Sunday, Joe said it was tough being caught up in the scandal.
He said: “Obviously it’s a bit weird to be drawn into that stuff for me. It’s not nice. It’s something you can’t control.”
Denying rumours he is now dating Diane, he added: “There’s nothing in it. If we were dating everyone would see it. It would be very visible.
“I heard the rumours about us snogging in Blackpool. That was interesting.
“Diane feels exactly the same as me about the whole thing.
“Rumours like this have gone on throughout the show’s history. I understood before signing up that it’s something people really get into.
“They think ahead and try to put people together. People love that kind of stuff. But to be honest we haven’t got time to think about it.
“We’re busy trying to stay in this competition and do the best we can.
“I realise this is my one chance to do something like this and I’ve got to make the most of it. So I’m much more focused on dancing than anything else.”
Joe and Diane have such a close bond she often stays over at his place after training sessions.
And he has even convinced her to appear in videos on his YouTube channel. Joe added: “It’s so nice to get Diane into the videos.
“She’s such a good laugh. Every day I wake up and can’t wait to get to training.
“I’d never been an early bird. But this show has changed that.”
Joe credits Diane with helping him overcome years of crippling insecurities. Competing with her on Strictly has made him become more confident.
He said: “When you’re growing up you always compare yourself to other people. I was shy unless I was in my comfort zone. But the show has really helped me with that.
“Everyone on Strictly is so nice and that makes you feel good about yourself.
“I never thought I would get this far. As the weeks go on we’re upping the hours to make sure we’re still there.
“I’ve never had so much support from the public. I’m so excited to go through my Twitter. And I’ve had piles of fan mail sent to the studio.”