KAREN HAUER AND GORKA MARQUEZ SPARKS FLY ON STAGE — AND OFF IT TOO
Fifteen shows in, Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez (together left) showed no signs of burnout as they brought their Firedance (Reignite) tour to south-west London, supported by some of their fellow Strictly Come Dancing stars. After setting the stage of the New Wimbledon Theatre alight with their Latin moves, the pair celebrated at an afterparty, joined by Strictly dancers Katya Jones and Luba Mushtuk.
The sparks were not confined to the dancefloor, however. Also there were Tyler West and Molly Rainford, who both took part in the 2022 series of the dance show and the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour, and who are now rumoured to be dating (below from left, Tyler, Katya, Luba, Karen, Molly and Gorka).
Earlier this month, Molly posted a TikTok of the pair looking very close, filmed on a train. The clip followed photos of them holding hands during a night out in February. Witnessing Karen and Gorka’s triumph, the pair could not have looked happier.
A hit with audiences and critics, Firedance premiered last year. Explaining how the two dancers’ friendship translates into sizzling performances, Karen tells HELLO!: “We understand each other’s abilities and strengths. We always try to have fun.”
AMANDA HOLDEN AND ASHLEY ROBERTS FRIENDS’ MATCHING FASHION INSPIRATION IS NO PALE IMITATION
Why synchronise watches when you can synchronise entire outfits? Definitely on the same page when it comes to their wardrobe choices, Amanda Holden (left) and Ashley Roberts (right) both showed up to work at Heart FM’s London HQ in matching form-fitting co-ords from Reiss – although while Amanda, 52, kept it all-white, Ashley, 41, added a pop of pillarbox red.
Seemingly unfazed by their dressing double-take, the pair each referenced it on social media. “After 31/2 years… & 1000’s of outfits …We turned up dressed THE SAME today #twinning,” Amanda wrote on Instagram, while Ashley told her followers: “Sis stole my lewk.”
Since Ashley joined the radio station as Heart Breakfast’s showbiz correspondent in 2019, she and Amanda (who presents the show alongside Jamie Theakston) have become firm friends and often socialise together. She has even described the Britain’s Got Talent judge as “an awesome little señorita”.
Last year, Ashley called Amanda’s fearless attitude to clothing “an inspiration” – and it’s not hard to see why. Often labelled “racy”, Amanda’s BGT outfits always get people talking. However, she refuses to be apologetic for her choices, saying: “Being able to wear what we want and do what we want shouldn’t affect our
