Strictly's Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał appear to kiss in very passionate new photos

After weeks of speculation,'s has seemingly been caught on camera smooching his professional partner, Jowita Przysta.

The pair, who have been turning heads with their undeniable chemistry during rehearsals, were seen getting incredibly close as they practised their upcoming routine for this Saturday's show and at one point appeared to kiss.

Last month, the former TOWIE star, 36, and his dance partner Jowita, 30, left viewers gobsmacked as their sizzling routine ended in a near kiss.

However, it appears that the duo have grown even closer as their journey on the show continues, with new snaps appearing to show them share a passionate kiss and embrace behind-the-scenes during their rehearsals.

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The photos show Pete and Jowita looking cosier than ever as the reality TV favourite seems to plant a kiss on Jowita's lips while she wraps her arms around his neck in a passionate embrace. Their on-screen chemistry is reportedly a result of their alleged off-screen fondness for each other.

The pair's close bond has been labelled an "open secret", with rumours swirling that Pete is falling "head over heels" for the professional dancer.

A source spilled to The Mail on Sunday that Pete is utterly smitten with Jowita. "Pete has fallen head over heels for Jowita. He thinks she is amazing in every way."

The feeling is mutual from her side and things have definitely progressed between them. They are all over one another behind the scenes, in a way that a loved-up couple would be."

The insider continued: "It appears that we may have the first Strictly romance of the series, which is so exciting. They are the talk of the show. The other contestants are really happy for them. They are always smiling. It's lovely. It will certainly brighten up the show following the dreadful saga around Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington."

Previously, the couple attended the National Television Awards, where they seemed very much enamoured with each other.

As rumours about their growing affection make rounds, , Pete's best mate, added to the whispers by admitting: "Pete's in love."

The buzz escalated when Pete and Jowita divulged on that they plan to get matching tattoos if they scoop the Glitterball Trophy. While appearing on Loose Women, the topic of their tattoo pact came up.

Janet Street-Porter quizzed them during the programme, asking: "Is it true that you two are going to get matching tattoos if you win?" To this, Pete confirmed: "Obviously, I have got a fair few tattoos so if we win then we are going to get a couple of glitterballs."

In a heartwarming chat with the BBC, Pete revealed his dream movie date situation: "Raining, log cabin in the middle of the woods, fire going, cold night. A couple of bottles of Malbec and cheese board."

His Strictly partner Jowita echoed the sentiment and added: "Snowy night, log cabin! A big bowl of salted popcorn." In a flirty twist, Pete also joked: "It may be a glitter ball."

Romeo Pete is famed for his flings with celebs such as Maura Higgins from , and ' .

As for Jowita, post-split from her long-time beau Michael Danilczuk, she's been rumoured to have had sparks flying with Giovanni Pernice, aged 34, and fellow terpsichorean, Arduino Bertoncello.

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