Artem Chigvintsev has denied Fern Britton's claims he kicked and shoved her during 'Strictly Come Dancing' training.
Artem Chigvintsev
The 32-year-old professional dancer has refuted the 57-year-old TV presenter's comment that "he would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me".
Artem admits Fern's accusation a "shock" to him.
Speaking to the Mirror.co.uk website, Artem said: "Recent statements apparently made by Fern Britton, whilst not reflecting any situation I recognise, are difficult to ignore.
"I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care, and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am.
"I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me. I just want to thank all my fans and friends for their support and belief in me."
The former 'This Morning' host - who ended up coming 10th in the 2012 series of 'Strictly...' - criticised Artem for his training methods during a an event hosted by The Times newspaper this week.
She said: "He would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me ... He was like, 'Shut your face. Go home before I kill you'. I would say, 'Oh please just kill me, it would be easier.' Or what was the other one? 'If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb'. I thought, well I won't correct him on that one."
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