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Nikita Kuzmin's rarely-seen girlfriend Lauren shows support with sweet gesture backstage Strictly

Model Lauren Jaine joined her boyfriend at Elstree Studios on Saturday

Nikita Kuzmin and Lauren Jaine
Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
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Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin's girlfriend Lauren Jaine supported her boyfriend and his dance partner Layton Williams from the sidelines during Saturday's live show. 

In a behind-the-scenes photo shared on social media, Lauren was matching with the dancing duo, with all three donning purple outfits. The twenty-something model looked breathtaking in a tight-fitting purple dress, which featured a cut-out around her midriff. 

Nikita Kuzmin, Lauren Jaine and Layton Williams© Lauren Jaine/Instagram
Nikita's girlfriend Lauren showed her support by matching with her boyfriend and Layton

Showing her encouragement for the dancers in her Instagram Story, Lauren wrote in the caption: "Team purple!"

Layton was quick to reshare the snap on his own Instagram Stories, captioning the post with three purple heart emojis. 

Saturday night was a big night for Nikita and Layton, who received an impressive 39 points for their show-stopping Argentine Tango. 

WATCH: Nikita and Layton brought the house down with their epic Argentine Tango

They received high praise from the judges, with Motsi Mabuse left "speechless" by the dance, which she called "epic and iconic". Meanwhile, head judge Shirley Ballas hailed the "breathtaking" performance, saying it went "beyond perfect and pure art". 

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin dancing the Argentine Tango© Guy Levy
Layton and Nikita received 39 points for their performance

"I'm lost in the Layton magic," she said. 

Lauren's most recent post isn't the first time the model has shown her support for her boyfriend during this year's competition. Taking to Instagram after last week's show, Lauren shared a gorgeous picture of her and Nikita, who were both dressed to the nines as they posed together in a restaurant. 

In the caption, the flame-haired beauty wrote: "So hugely proud of you this week - it's been far from easy and you were just incredible."

Nikita and Lauren posted this selfie on Instagram© Instagram
Lauren has shared various photos of the couple on her Instagram page

Strictly pro dancer Carlos Gu was quick to gush over the pair in the comments section, writing: "My favourite couple."

SEE: The cutest photos of Strictly's Nikita Kuzmin and his rarely seen girlfriend

MORE: Strictly star Layton Williams' love life and 'mystery boyfriend' explored

Saturday night's live show isn't the only time Lauren has stepped foot in Elstree Studios, she also made an appearance during Movie Week, which saw Nikita and Layton perform a Viennese Waltz to 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do' from Grease. 

Posting a photo from the ballroom floor that showed Lauren, Layton and Nikita posing alongside the pro dancer's parents Natalia and Ievgen Kuzmin, Lauren penned a sweet message in the caption. "Very proud," she wrote, alongside a pink heart emoji. 

Nikita and Lauren also enjoyed a hike in the summer© Instagram
Lauren shared this photo of Nikita in September

While it isn't known how long Nikita and Lauren have been dating, the model has shared several photos of her boyfriend on her Instagram page since the summer. 

In one post from September, Lauren shared a carousel of snaps, several of which included sweet images of herself and Nikita. The caption simply read: "Happy days."

Nikita was quick to show his affection for his girlfriend in the comments section below, writing: "Love you," alongside a red heart emoji. 

Nikita kisses girlfriend Lauren as she visits Strictly studios© Instagram
It's not known when the couple began dating

Who is Nikita's girlfriend Lauren? 

Lauren is a model who is signed to First Model Management. She's also a recent graduate and, judging by her Instagram, graduated from Durham University earlier this year.

From her social media page, it would seem that Lauren moved to London last summer.

Strictly Come Dating: couples who met on the dancefloor

As well as Gemma and Gorka, there are several other loved-up couples who met during their time on Strictly

  • Janette Manrara and Aljaz Škorjanec met on Strictly in 2010, before marrying in 2017 and welcoming a baby, Lyra, in 2023.
  • Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev met during the 2013 series. They married in 2019 and have two children together.
  • Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg fell in love while competing in 2018. They live together in Brighton.
  • Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton met in 2018 and welcomed a baby girl, Minnie, in 2023.
  • Max George and Maisie Smith shared their Strictly experience together in 2020, but didn't announce their relationship until 2022.
  • Tyler West and Molly Rainford starred in the 2022 series together and have been going strong ever since!
  • Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova are both professionals on the show, and began dating in 2022.
  • Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen were partnered together on the show in 2013, confirming their romance in 2014. They share a daughter together, Mila, who was born in 2018.