Strictly Come Dancing star Rhys Stephenson has gushed over the bond with his co-stars.
The CBBC presenter reached the semi-final of the BBC competition last year with his professional partner Nancy Xu.
He has revealed that he is still in contact with his former show rivals and called them a “special group”.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Molly Rainford warned ‘one thing not to do’ on BBC show by former contestant
Spealking to Daily Star at the TV Choice Awards last month, Rhys said: “I still chat with Rose [Ayling-Ellis], I speak with AJ [Odudu] and Dan Walker.
“Every now and then when Tilly Ramsay is not jetting around the world II’ll get a message from her and I’ve seen John [Whaite] a few times.
(Image: BBC)
I don’t feel there’s not one person I couldn’t text and not at least get a little text back.
“It was a very special group of contestants.”
Rhys’ CBBC colleague Molly Rainford has made it to the final of the 2022 series and will take to the dancefloor to try and win the glitterball trophy.
The pair spoke when she got announced as part of the Strictly line-up earlier this year and Rhys shared some words of wisdom.
(Image: BBC / Guy Levy)
He explained: “I was just telling her one thing, don’t do anything too complicated.
“If you feel like you can’t then don’t because on the night it’ll just mess with your head.
“I said just take it easy and be kind to herself and to respect the time you get off.
“Do nothing, doing nothing is so important because you are doing something by resting.”
(Image: PA)
It comes after Molly revealed that tough training sessions for Strictly has put her in the best shape of her life.
She told Daily Star: “I have noticed a change in my body. I’m the fittest I’ve ever been.
“People have been saying, ‘You’ve got abs now, Molly’. It’s one of the perks of doing Strictly.
“And I’ve not just grown physically, I’ve grown mentally as well. I’m finding new confidence.
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“This show has taught me a lot of resilience and how to pick myself up and keep going.”
Molly will go up against Helen Skelton, Fleur East and Hamza Yassin to be crowned winner.
Strictly Come Dancing Final airs Saturday, December 17 on BBC One at 7.05pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
