Strictly's Ashley Roberts 'shares off-screen kiss with Giovanni Pernice following dramatic dance-off' after denying romance rumours

• e-mail

She was saved in a dramatic dance-off against Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse on Sunday's edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

And Ashley Roberts was reportedly comforted by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice following the show as they shared an off-screen kiss, after frequently denying romance rumours.

According to The Mirror, former Pussycat Doll Ashley, 37, was 'passionately embraced' by the Italian choreographer, 28, as he planted a kiss on her cheek.

Close: Ashley Roberts was reportedly comforted by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice following Strictly as they shared an off-screen kiss, after frequently denying romance rumours (pictured with dance partner Pasha Kovalev)

The insider elaborated: 'Giovanni didn't hesitate to go over to Ashley once the cameras stopped rolling.

'He passionately embraced her and gave her a lingering kiss on the cheek. They then separated to speak to other couples on the dance floor', the source added.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice for comment.

The reports follows Ashley's candid interview on This Morning earlier this month, where she called out host Phillip Schofield for asking about her alleged 'romance' with the hunk.

Intimate: According to The Mirror, former Pussycat Doll Ashley, 37, was 'passionately embraced' by the Italian choreographer, 28, as he planted a kiss on her cheek (pictured with dance partner Faye Tozer)

Appearing on the show alongside her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, 38, Phillip, 56, couldn't resist asking ‘And Giovanni?’....

Ashley smiled, 'You cheeky little… Giovanni and I are friends, and I am really really focused on the show. I am very passionate about being here and it’s about the dance for me, so… no, we are just friends. I’m single.'

A week earlier, Giovanni echoed her comments on the show: 'According to the press I change girlfriends every single day!

Still in the game: She was saved in a dramatic dance-off against Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse (left) on Sunday's edition of Strictly Come Dancing

'Ashley's great, we're really good friends I'm single. I spend all my time in Newcastle!', he added.

Rumours had been circulating last month that Ashley and Giovanni were enjoying a string of secret dates, with sources telling The Sun that they were keeping it low-key.

'The spark between Ashley and Giovanni has become quite widely noticed among the crew – they just seem to really hit it off.

Unbeatable: After her performance on Saturday night, Ashley hinted she is unbeatable as she shared a funny snap 'beating' Pasha at an arm wrestling competition 

Speaking out: The reports follows Ashley's candid interview on This Morning earlier this month, where she called out host Phillip Schofield for asking about her alleged 'romance' with the hunk

Cheeky: Appearing on the show alongside her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, 38, Phillip, 56, couldn't resist asking ‘And Giovanni?’....

'After the show each week they've been heading out for drinks together in London and just hanging out and looking very cosy.

'It's very early days but it looks like things are going well – and of course they're both single so it's all totally innocent fun', the source told the publication.

Despite the claims, the singer admitted to Fabulous magazine that the pair have gone out for drinks, but insisted they're just 'friends'. 

Candid: A week earlier, Giovanni echoed her comments on the show: 'Ashley's great, we're really good friends I'm single'

Claims: Rumours had been circulating last month that Ashley and Giovanni were enjoying a string of secret dates, with sources telling The Sun that they were keeping it low-key

Meanwhile, on Sunday's Strictly, it came as a surprise that Ashley was in the bottom two, having consistently been one of the highest scoring stars in the competition. 

However, the singer was criticised by the judges for lacking technique with her Samba on Saturday evening.

After getting the first 40 of the series with their retro Fish and Chips themed jive last week, the Pussycat Doll shimmied, samba rolled, and pulsed as she performed with partner Pasha to Hot Hot Hot by Arrow.  

Strictly Come Dancing continues next weekend on BBC One.