Strictly Come Dancing: Kara Tointon Accuses BBC Of ‘Contriving’ Her Relationship With Artem Chigvintsev

Kara Tointon, Strictly Come Dancing winner 2010, has accused the BBC of ‘contriving’ her relationship with professional partner Artem Chigvintsev.

The two dated after winning the show together, but sadly split in 2014.

Copyright [PA]

The actress has now revealed that she suspected Strictly producers had a not-so-secret reason behind pairing her with Artem.

She told The Telegraph: “I was single and they put me with the single guy! I was so angry.

“I was so determined we wouldn’t get it together and then of course you’re spending so much time with this person and he was so wonderful . . . So yes, it was inevitable really.”

She went on to describe having her relationship in the public eye as her ‘worst nightmare’, adding: “I hate people knowing everything.”

The couple in 2013. Copyright [Dan Wooller/REX Shutterstock]

After the two split, she told The Telegraph: “We’re fine, but we aren’t a couple any more. The reason I haven’t spoken about it is because I hate reading about myself in that way.”

Kara will be playing Maria in a new production of The Sound of Music, which will be streamed LIVE on ITV on Sunday December 20.

Between rehearsals for the iconic role and her other appearances in Mr Selfridge, Lewis and The Sweeney, Kara has little time for a romance, admitting: “If I can fit anything else in at the moment, it’s a bonus.”