Artem Chigvintsev looked decidedly glum as he left rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing this week, with rumours swirling he has split from girlfriend Kara Tointon. The professional dancer has reportedly moved out of the couple's flat following jealous rows over his current dance partnership with Holly Valance, according to the UK's Daily Mail.
Leaving the rehearsal studio on Thursday (20th October 2011), Chigvintsev looked "less than upbeat", with partner Valance also appearing glum. Earlier this week, the Sun newspaper claimed Artem had left the London home he shares with Kara and moved in with fellow pro Robin Windsor. Friends of the couple said, "They've been having a terrible time together and decided they needed some space. The stress of the show has been getting to Artem as it's a tough gig with numerous rehearsals that fill up his day". The pair began dating after dancing their way to victory on last year's show, but the Eastenders actress has reportedly become overcome with jealously following Artem's blossoming partnership with Holly. One source on the show claimed there was 'nothing going on', saying, "Holly is besotted with her bloke, Nick. She wouldn't dream of spoiling that. She loves dancing with Artem but that's as far as it goes."
A spokesperson for Tointon, who received rave reviews for her role in the West End production of Pygmalion, played down the speculation, saying, "They are very much together".