STRICTLY bosses "didn't expect" Danny Cipriani and pro dancer Jowita Przystal to "get so close so soon" after he split from his wife.
Ex-England rugby star Cipriani has just been revealed among the celebrities taking part in the BBC One show's Christmas special.
And after being paired with Jowita, the pair have been pictured cosying up together both in training and in public.
The pair are being linked just nine days after Danny, 36, revealed his separation from wife Victoria Rose, two years into their marriage.
Danny, tipped as a potential Strictly main series contestant in future, is said to have quickly formed a close bond with festive special partner Jowita, 29.
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A TV insider has described the pair being teamed up as "sensational".
And it's suggested Strictly producers are taken aback by just how swiftly the new dancing couple have established a rapport.
A source told The Sun: "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."
Danny and Jowita were seen together on Wednesday night just hours after meeting for the first time for their opening four-hour rehearsal session in north London.
They are now expected to be in the studio incessantly ahead of filming the festive special a fortnight from now, ahead of it being broadcast on Christmas Day.
Danny and healthcare campaigner Victoria wed in 2021 but announced their split earlier this month.
His previous relationships have included celebrities such as Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan and models Katie Price and Kelly Brook.
Jowita is also believed to be single after she and fellow Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice went separate ways earlier this year.
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Previous Christmas show contestants who have later gone on to take part in the main series include Blue pop star Simon Webbe in 2011, BBC presenter Helen Skelton the following year and Bros singer Matt Goss in 2013.
Also confirmed as taking part in this year's Christmas special are historian Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
A Strictly spokeswoman declined to comment on Danny and Jowita.
