Rumours of a romance between dance partners Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff have been rife of late. And last night, the Strictly Come Dancing pair were seen in a romantic clinch at the Whisky Mist nightclub.

Ready to rumba? Kristina Rihanoff and Joe Calzaghe

Kristina, who is partnered with the former boxing champion on the BBC show, was celebrating her 32nd birthday with a dozen pals including Strictly co-stars Brian Fortuna and Ali Bastian, plus actress Michelle Gayle.

The Russian beauty kicked off her
celebrations with dinner at the Kensington Roof Gardens before heading to the Mayfair club.

But despite Joe's request for a VIP table in Whisky Mist's Luxe Room, they were forced to sit in the main bar area because model Alice Dellal had just been given the last one. We're told: “They were with a couple of pals, but were clearly into each other. They weren't being one of those sickly couples all over each other, but they were cuddling, flirting and kissing a bit.

“They were obviously danced out by all the training. Kristina spent most of the time chatting, although they did have a couple of dances. She looked really happy when a magnum of champagne arrived.”

But it looks as though Joe, 37, may have made a dent in the bottle if his appearance as they left is anything to go by.

The pair left the club at 2am and headed back to a private address in west London together, further fuelling rumours of a romance. If this “romance” is all simply a publicity stunt, well, they are certainly putting in a lot of leg work...