Pro dancers Karen and Kevin Clifton have faced intense speculation throughout this series of Strictly, as reports have suggested the couple’s marriage is on the rocks.
Some viewers have been desperate for some sign that all is okay with their relationship, but there was no comfort tonight.
Both performed in the show opener – but they didn’t dance together.
Instead, Karen did a turn with pro Neil.
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And Kevin danced with Janette.
One viewer told Twitter: “Noticed Kevin and Karen weren’t dancing together. Perhaps the rumours are true…”
Another wrote: “My mum just screamed ‘KEVIN AND KAREN AREN’T DANCING TOGETHER!'”
In fact, the husband and wife appeared to be putting as much distance between them as they could.
A third viewer commented: “The fact that Kevin and Karen aren’t even standing near each other speaks sad volumes.”
Understandably, the pair have maintained a dignified silence amidst most of the speculation, but Karen did speak out about “making it work” several weeks ago.
Talking at the OK! Beauty Awards, she told The Sun newspaper: “We’re just a regular couple.
“We’ve been together for seven years and like any other relationship you have your ups and downs and nothing is ever perfect so you make it work.
“Everything is fine. It adds a little bit of spark to the relationship and it just means that we care about each other.
“We just need to keep pushing and relationships take work, it’s not as easy as you think, especially being in a job like Strictly.”