Jake Carter has said that there was no romance between himself and Karen Byrne during Dancing with the Stars last year.
Karen split from her boyfriend a few months ago, and Jake recently confirmed that they were now dating.
And while fans of the show may have their speculation about romance during filming, Jake insists they were just good pals until after the split.
“There was nothing going on between myself and Karen, at that point we were just friends. It’s only in recent weeks it’s become a relationship,” he said.
“I guess it’s one of those things that happens when you spend time with someone.”
The singer and winner of Dancing with the Stars 2018 added that he does not believe in the Strictly Curse, which sees many couples split after one person competes on the dance show.
“I think the Strictly Curse is a load of balls,” he told the Sun.
“I don’t agree with it. What happened between us can happen in any job, where you spend time with someone, and things develop from there.”
“It’s only because we’re in the limelight we get branded.”
The star added that he and Karen want to keep their relationship to themselves but don’t mind chatting to fans.
“It can happen in any job. Really I wanted to keep my private life private but obviously, that’s not possible.
“If we go out we get noticed and people want to take pictures and stuff, which is OK but we try to lead as normal a life as possible.”
The 20-year-old also said he won’t be jealous of Karen’s new dance partner on series three of DWTS.
“I won’t have a problem with it. I don’t get jealous at all. In fact, I’m looking forward to the new season of Dancing With The Stars and enjoying it as a viewer at home.”
Last month Karen’s ex-boyfriend Wojtek Potazkin revealed he was stepping away from the dance school they had been running together.
“With a very heavy heart – after beautiful 5 years full of love, loyalty, hard work and honesty I am left with no choice and I will no longer work under the umbrella of ‘Karen & Wojtek School of Dance.’” he said.
“I want to thank all the teachers, dance parents and especially all the dancers that I will always love eternally for their trust in my knowledge, experience and love to the art and sport of dancing.
“I’m still fully available to all of you individually, my own School will open shortly.”
Karen has not yet commented on her business plans but will be busy with DWTS over the next few months.
