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'Strictly's' Claudia Winkleman encourages AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington to kiss live on air

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 20:55:00 on 30/10/2021 - Programme Name: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 - TX: 30/10/2021 - Episode: Strictly Come Dancing - TX6 LIVE SHOW (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ++DRESS RUN++ *NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL 20:55HRS, SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER, 2021* AJ Odudu, Kai Widdrington - (C) BBC - Photographer: Kieron McCarron
AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington performing the Vienesse Waltz on 'Strictly Come Dancing' (BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman fanned the flames of romance rumours between AJ Odudu and Kai Widdringtonn - by encouraging them to kiss live on air.

Odudu and Widdrington’s close connection has been subject to speculation - with the couple sharing an “almost kiss” moment after a raunchy Argentine Tango last week.

This week, for Halloween week, the pair performed a Vienesse Waltz to Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman - with Odudu taking on the role of an enticing Medusa luring Widdrington into her trap.

During the rehearsals, the pair were visited by Odudu’s nieces and nephews - with one nephew asking “why she didn’t just kiss” her dance partner.

Watch: AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington Viennese Waltz to Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande

Spurred on, Winkleman couldn’t resist stirring the pot, and encouraged them to confirm their romance live on air.

She said: “I would like to say, on behalf of your nephew Oren, who we all fell in love with, if you wanted to kiss at any point… now, come on.”

Read more: 'Strictly' dancer Kai Widdrington addresses AJ Odudu romance rumours

Odudu and Widdrington laughed off the cheeky comment, but Winkleman continued: “Kai! It’s the right time.”

Hugging his TV presenter dance partner, Widdrington responded: “I know it is… After the scores!”

WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 20:55:00 on 30/10/2021 - Programme Name: Strictly Come Dancing 2021 - TX: 30/10/2021 - Episode: Strictly Come Dancing - TX6 LIVE SHOW (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ++DRESS RUN++ *NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL 20:55HRS, SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER, 2021* AJ Odudu, Kai Widdrington - (C) BBC - Photographer: Kieron McCarron
AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington performing on 'Strictly Come Dancing' Halloween Week (BBC)

The response made Odudu look shocked, but after they were given the impressive mark of 37 - including a perfect 10 from head judge Shirley Ballas - Widdrington only half kept up his side of the bargain.

He instead grabbed and planted several kisses on his partner’s hand like the gentleman he is.

… That isn’t stopping viewers desperate to see the couple get together for real though.

"Why don't you just kiss him?" THIS EVERYONE SHIPPING AJ AND KAI #strictly,” one wrote on Twitter.

“AJ's nephew is right, why won't she just kiss Kai It's what we all want!!!! #Strictly,” another added.

The couple have done little to stop the rumours between them, refusing to deny or confirm either way.

Most recently, the couple appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two, where Rylan grilled them about their connection during the Argentine Tango.

Read more: Judi Love says 'Strictly' fitness is helping her cope with COVID

"It was a very passionate song, a real fiery piece, and very intimate, and that’s what we wanted, and that is the characterisation of the Argentine Tango,” Widdrington responded.

“So if people want to think that, then great, but we’re just doing our job and she did a great job."

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays at 7.10pm on BBC One, with the results show airing on Sundays at 7pm.