Strictly Come Dancing’s HRVY has addressed his ‘rivalry’ with Maisie Smith, putting it down to their similar ages.
The 21-year-old singer joined Zoe Ball on today’s episode of It Takes Two, where he was grilled on his competition against the EastEnders actress after having both topped the leaderboard over the past two weeks.
‘Maisie has been your closest rival so far, the two of you neck-a-neck up there,’ Zoe pointed out. ‘It’s a fine line between love and hate, nudge nudge, wink wink, but is that a nice friendly rivalry?’
‘She’s great,’ HRVY responded cooly. ‘Genuinely, she’s very talented. I think it’s because we’re similar ages there’s a little rivalry, but she keeps me on my toes.’
He added: ‘To be fair, everyone’s doing so well so everyone is keeping each other on their toes.’
Soap star Maisie and her dance partner Gorka Marquez came out on top during Saturday’s live episode – with their Tango earning them a score of 25 out of 30.
Maisie’s score of 24 from in week one means she’s tied for first place on the leaderboard with singer HRVY, who scored 25 in the first week and 24 last week.
Last month, it was reported Strictly bosses are monitoring HRVY and Maisie to ensure they stick to the ‘kissing ban’.
According to claims, producers have warned the celebs that they must stick to their strict anti-Covid measures – including striking up a physical relationship with each other.
‘Maisie and HRVY are being monitored by the producers after it’s become clear their connection could easily lead into a Strictly romance,’ a source told The Sun.
‘They’re both young, single and hot and the thought is that the two of them could bring the other cast into risk if they break the guidelines and get closer.’
It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC One.