PRACTICING his dance moves in a park in Oxfordshire, Strictly’s “dark horse” Graeme Hall has finally found happiness again.
And that, friends say, is down to worker Nicola Worth, who helped smile again following his divorce from his first wife.
Graeme, who split from accountant Elinor Perry in 2019, has been secretly dating Nicola – known as Nikki – for the past five years.
And as the couple were photographed together for the first time close to the home they share in Banbury, friends reveal Nikki is Graeme’s greatest cheerleader.
A source said: “ in 2019 and he took some time out to rebuild himself.
“Starting again as a man in your fifties is never easy but Graeme took his time.
“He was introduced to Nikki through friends two years after his marriage ended.
“It was like someone had turned the spark back on inside him.
“They’ve always chosen to keep their low key and off social media, but Nikki is Graeme’s everything.
“She is his rock and his biggest support.”
Those close to Graeme, who is paired with on the BBC dancing show, said Nikki has become his “secret weapon” on – and has been helping him with the gruelling rehearsal regimes.
A friend added: “Nikki is an absolutely amazing woman and she’s been cheering on Graeme quietly in the background.
“She has met Lauren and is so proud of what Graeme is achieving on Strictly.
“Nikki helps him practice his moves and gives Graeme confidence when he’s had a rough day.”
Since Strictly started three weeks back, Graeme, 60, has become something of a hit with viewers.
He was second on the joint leaderboard after the first two weeks, before dropping down to the middle of the pack with a score of 25 this weekend with his jive to Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson.
But those close to Graeme said he shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Strictly viewers love a journey and that is what they will see with Graeme,” a TV insider explained.
“Some people are saying he reminds them of Bill Bailey – and he went on to win in 2020.
“Graeme is the second oldest celebrity in Strictly after Melanie Walters and he is showing what an older man can do.
“Traditional Strictly fans love seeing how much progression the celebs can make and Graeme was quick out of the starting blocks.
“His score this weekend wasn’t the best and Graeme is determined to get back towards the top.”
The professional dog trainer has stiff competition from stand-out stars including and – who scored the first nine of the series on Saturday night from for her disco themed Salsa.
Graeme has been hard at work lobbying for votes, with Nikki helping him record video messages for his fans.
A friend said: “Nikki is slightly younger than Graeme and is definitely switched on when it comes to social media.
“She helps him with his content and encourages him to reach out and speak directly to his followers because they’re the ones who can help keep him in the competition.
“Graeme often jokes he’d be lost without Nikki and it’s true.
“She keeps him in check and keeps him motivated.
“Nikki believes in Graeme and thinks he could go all the way.
“It’s the perfect partnership.”
