NEWLY single Danny Cipriani and Strictly dance pro Jowita Przystal gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes just hours after meeting for the first time.
The former England rugby star, 36, was last night revealed as one of the celebrities appearing on the BBC One show’s Christmas special, where he will be paired with Jowita.
His booking is being seen as a trial run for him being a contestant on the main show — possibly as early as next year, The Sun can reveal.
Bad boy Danny revealed he had split from his wife of two years, Victoria Rose, nine days ago.
But he already appears to have developed a close bond with Jowita.
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They were pictured together on Wednesday night after their first four-hour rehearsal session in North London where they had met for the first time.
A TV insider said: “Danny and Jowita look set to become one of the most sensational couples of this year’s festive special.
“BBC bosses must have had some idea it would be a sizzling pairing on the dancefloor, but on a personal level probably didn’t expect them to get so close, so soon.
“They join a long line of stars and pros who’ve found themselves growing closer as a result of long, intimate sessions in the rehearsal studio.”
The pair will be in the studio almost constantly up to the recording of the Christmas special in two weeks’ time.
Danny and healthcare campaigner Victoria married in 2021 but revealed earlier this month that they had split.
He has previously dated a string of celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Katie Price and Kelly Brook.
Jowita, 29, is also thought to be single after splitting from fellow Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice this year.
Danny signing for the Christmas Strictly was a surprise as he had said he would be reluctant to take part.
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Several stars, including Matt Goss in 2013, Helen Skelton in 2012 and Simon Webbe in 2011, have danced in the Christmas show before going on to compete in the main series.
Other stars confirmed for the Christmas Day special include historian Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
A Strictly spokeswoman declined to comment.
