Kevin Kilbane has struck up a romance with his 'Dancing on Ice' partner Brianne Delcourt.
Brianne Delcourt and Kevin Kilbane
The 42-year-old retired football player is currently competing on the ITV ice dancing competition alongside Brianne, and they've now confirmed that just months after they were partnered together, they've begun dating.
Kevin and Brianne have been skating together for four months in preparation for the show - which returned to screens over the weekend - and whilst they started out as "best buds", their romance quickly blossomed.
Recalling the start of their romance, Brianne said: "We were just friends initially, but he's been my biggest support while I've been without my daughter. Kev's a dad, too, so he gets it. He's been my best bud."
The Canadian figure skater, 38, spends eight weeks away from her three-year-old daughter Gracie whilst on the show, and Kevin is father to 16-year-old Elsie and 14-year-old Isla, whom he has with his ex-wife Laura.
And the sports star also spoke of their rapid romance, as he admitted he felt an "attraction" to Brianne as soon as he met her.
He said: "There was an attraction with Brianne the first time I met her. But it was way more than that. Everything just clicked."
Despite having only been together for a few months, the couple are already head over heels for one another, and can't wait to take things to the next level by introducing each other to their families.
Brianne gushed: "There is no comparison of Kevin to the guys I used to date. He's perfect and my best friend.
"Kevin has all the boxes checked for what I'm looking for in my life. I think he'll be great for Gracie to look up to."
Whilst Kevin added in a joint interview with OK! magazine: "It seems like I've known Bri for such a long time as it is, which makes me feel like I've known Gracie, too.
"I have no doubt, my girls will be great with her."
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