Strictly's Gethin set to dance off with opera diva Katherine Jenkins heart

The Welsh pair have been secretly dating since Katherine - who calls herself "The opera Madonna", sang on the show back in October.

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And the 27-year-old singer has confirmed the pair are enjoying getting to know one another.

She told The Mirror: "We've been out a few times and we're both Welsh. It's early days, we have known each other a long time."

Gethin, 29, is said to developed an interest in Katherine when she appeared as a guest on his show Blue Peter two years ago. But up until recently did not have the courage to ask her out.

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A source said: "They have met a few times in the past and always got on well - but Katherine had been in a steady relationship for years.

"They've met at a few Welsh events and Gethin was pleased when she was invited to watch him dance.

"It was natural that they should have a chat after the show because they are both Welsh and come from similar backgrounds.

The source told the South Wales Evening Post: "Gethin plucked up courage to ask Katherine if she fancied a drink and he was delighted when she accepted.

"The first date went well and they've been to a concert, a few meals and it is going well so far."

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Songbird Katherine, who is starring in dance show Viva La Diva with ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, split with long-term boyfriend, singer Steve Hart, last year after six years together.

In an twist, Katherine has unwittingly entered the Strictly v X Factor battle as she is set to appear in this week's X Factor on ITV1 while Gethin performs on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing for a place in the final.

Katherine will perform a duet with the show's favourite to win, fellow Welsh singer Rhydian Roberts.

And Gethin may have competition from the peroxide blonde one, as self-confessed virgin Rhydian said he has fancied Katherine "for ages".