Strictly’s Jamie Borthwick and Jowita Przystal ‘in relationship’ after growing close

Jamie Borthwick and Strictly Come Dancing’s Jowita Przystał have struck up a secret romance.

The EastEnders actor and professional dancer met on the Christmas special of the programme in 2023, when he was crowned the winner with Nanxy Xu – despite being partnered with other stars. But feelings backstage soon started to brew with the pair allegedly forming a secret romance. Almost two years after meeting, the pair have continued to grow close on the Strictly tour across the UK.

Currently, Jamie is partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas, while Jowita is part of the professional dancers lineup. Last year, Jowita, 30, reached the semi-final with reality star, Pete Wicks, who has previously spoken about the bond between the actor and the Polish star.

Sources claimed that the pair grew close while filming the BBC One dancing competition and Jowita instantly saw a spark with the Jay Brown actor. “Things did get romantic between them, Jowita loves Jamie’s playfulness and sense of humour, not to mention he’s a very talented dancer,” a source said.

They went on to tell the MailOnline : “So many rumours were circulating about Jowita and Pete that her relationship with Jamie went under the radar, which was something they laughed about. They’re still enjoying each other’s company as they perform on the Strictly tour, with the cast believing their romance could well lead to something long-term.”

The rumoured happy couple were seen together as they headed out to dinner at Miller and Carter in Sheffield, close to where the Strictly tour crew were staying after their performance. Meanwhile, Jowita’s recent partner, Pete Wicks addressed their closeness on his Staying Relevant podcast.

“I have a question for you, I think I have asked you this before but you have to answer. You have to answer this. Don’t sit on the fence or do any of that crap, I want to know,” he said when Jowita appeared on the podcast. The star who found fame on The Only Way Is Essex went on to say: “If you weren’t dancing with me, who would you want to dance with… and it doesn’t have to be who’s left, it could be people who have gone. Don’t sit on the fence, answer the f***ing question.”

He continued: “If you couldn’t dance with me, who would you like to dance with? I know the answer to this… 100 per cent, Jamie.” Jowita revealed Jamie would “probably” have been her choice, having met him prior to the recent series, adding that the pair “get on very well.”

Pete said: “I said this to you at the weekend actually but you and Jamie would have been great, you get on really well with him and you would have had lots of fun with him and Jamie is a really good dancer, so cool…” The Mirror has approached both Jowita and Jamie’s spokespersons for comment.