Max Evans took it as a "compliment" that the ‘Dancing on Ice’ judges thought something was going on between him and his professional ice skating partner.
The rugby star – who is dating Lauren Jamieson – was thrilled when Ashley Banjo asked what was going on between him and ice skating star Ale Izquierdo because it showed how much chemistry they were able to feign in their performance.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Lauren is a dancer so she understands the need for chemistry to bring more to the performance. Our performance was full of romance and love. It was a compliment that the judges said we had such great chemistry. Lauren was buzzing that we smashed it. She was so happy and so supportive."
Teasing the pair, Ashley said: "I loved that, slower paced routines are more exposing. I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you, you were so solid and so confident. Great job,can’t wait to see what’s to come … I should have checked if you had a girlfriend."
Meanwhile, Ale had previously described Max as a "beautiful, graceful gentleman".
She said: "You can tell there’s a connection there, and he’s turning from a big gorilla into a beautiful, graceful gentleman … I was believing in him 100 percent."
And Max added at the time: "It was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve done in my life."
At New Year’s, the 34-year-old sportsman posted a sweet message and thanked his partner for always making him happy.
He shared: "My main goal every day is be happy. No matter what trials I face, no matter how old I get. Happiness is the key to all things great! You make me overwhelmingly happy. Have an incredible year everyone."
Max Evans’ chemistry with ice skating star Ale Izquierdo
