Winning hearts on and off the dance floor, Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach and EastEnders sensation Bobby Brazier have reportedly been kindling a romance in secret, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

The 22-year-old former Coronation Street actress and the 20-year-old fan-favourite Bobby have been spotted holding hands on the Strictly tour coach, setting tongues wagging about the nature of their relationship. Both finalists from the last series, sources have disclosed that the duo has progressed beyond mere friendship, with whispers of kisses exchanged during their clandestine rendezvous.

Insiders spilled the tea, stating, “Bobby and Ellie are the talk of the tour. Their friendship has grown and grown, and they’ve been spending nearly all their free time together before and after performances. They’ve been having their meals together, and flirting increasingly openly.”

The speculation reached new heights when pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin shared a photo of the two enjoying dinner backstage, Bobby casually draping his arm around Ellie’s chair. The chemistry between them reportedly began at the live tour’s opening night bash in Birmingham, where they partied until the early hours and even returned to the stage shortly thereafter.

Ellie, known for her role as Faye in Coronation Street, had previously faced rumours of a connection with dance partner Vito Coppola during their stint on the BBC1 show, although they clarified that their bond was purely platonic. On the other hand, Bobby, the son of the late Jade Goody, won hearts on Strictly and gathered a substantial fan base for his role as Freddy Slater in EastEnders.

While Ellie debunked rumours of a romance with Vito after clinching the Glitterball trophy last month, insiders suggest that she and Bobby may be on the brink of going public with their budding relationship. The potential pairing not only excites fans but also presents numerous commercial opportunities, given their popularity and demand in the entertainment industry.

Representatives for Ellie Leach and Bobby Brazier were approached for comment, but as of now, the duo is keeping their cards close to their chests, leaving fans eagerly anticipating any official confirmation.