Maisie Smith & HRVY timeline: what the Strictly stars have said so far

The pair have reportedly shared their first kiss (Picture: PA/REX)

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing was one of the most spectacular, enjoyable and strangest series to date, but the real gossip from the show was happening away from the dance floor, between Maisie Smith and HRVY.

The contestants got people talking with their performances, but it was the blossoming romance rumours that really had people interested.

Everyone knows of the Strictly curse, but two celebrities falling for one another is far rarer – it was no wonder people are intrigued.

Their flirtations led viewers to speculate a possible relationship blossoming backstage, and it was reported that the pair finally shared their first kiss during the final on Saturday night.

Maisie, who is 19, and HRVY, who is 21, were banned from sharing any physical contact while filming. But now the show is over, there could yet be time for romance.

The pair previously insisted ‘they’re just good friends’, but that hasn’t stopped fans investigating. Here’s everything that’s been said so far, from way back in October all the way up to the final.

Strictly bosses worried about the pair breaking ‘kissing ban’ – Oct 25

Could the HRVY and Maisie Smith romance rumours be true? (Picture: REX)

After rumours of romance started began even before the show began, Strictly Come Dancing reportedly monitored HRVY and Maisie from day one in the competition to make sure they didn’t break the ‘kissing ban’. Bosses warned the celebs that they must stick to their strict anti-Covid measures – including striking up a physical relationship with each other.

‘Maisie and HRVY are being monitored by the producers after it’s become clear their connection could easily lead into a Strictly romance,’ a source said at the time.

Maisie doesn’t rule out romance with ‘beautiful-looking’ HRVY – Nov 7

Romance rumours surfaced weeks before the show (Picture: BBC)

Maisie addressed the speculation surrounding her love life in the early weeks of the show, saying that while wasn’t looking for anything to blossom right there and then, she hadn’t ruled out a future romance with HRVY.

Speaking to the Sun about a possible spark between her and her scoreboard rival, Maisie said: ‘Not right now. He is a beautiful-looking guy. ‘But I have only seen him for a couple of hours a week so I am still enjoying getting to know him. ‘I don’t know what would happen in the future, but for now we are getting along really well as friends.’

HRVY calls Maisie ‘very beautiful’ – Nov 10

Maisie and HRVY have become good friends (Picture: BBC)

HRVY called Maisie ‘very beautiful’ back in November, but ruled out romance and said that the pair are ‘just good friends’.

HRVY, real name Harvey Cantwell, was still flirtatious when speaking about Maisie though. In his column for OK! magazine, he wrote: ‘Maisie really is so lovely and beautiful – she’s a really good friend of mine and I think she’s an amazing dancer.’

HRVY ‘adoring’ Maisie Smith romance rumours, according to body language expert – Nov 14

HRVY competed on the show with Janette Manrara (PIcture: BBC)

HRVY appeared to be ‘adoring’ the Maisie romance rumours, according to our body language expert in November.

Despite his denial of a romance, Metro.co.uk body language expert Judi James believed HRVY was thoroughly enjoying the attention during an appearance on Lorraine. ‘With his “Strictly mum” Janette sitting on one side and Lorraine going down the “Look young man” route on the other it’s no surprise that HRVY opts for the bashful denial when asked about any relationship with Maisie here,’ she told us.

HRVY says he wants to go on a date with Maisie when the show is over – Nov 21

HRVY wants a date with Maisie Smith when Strictly is over(Picture: Rex)

Things stepped up when HRVY said that he believes at some point in the near future, he and Maisie could hit the town for some wining and dining. ‘I’m sure at one point, when we can, Maisie and I will go out for dinner,’ he said.

‘I’m pretty sure she’s single too. I haven’t actually asked, but if we ever go for a meal, I’ll make sure I check first.’ Nonetheless, while Strictly continues, HRVY has his eyes fixed firmly on the Glitterball Trophy. ‘It’s dancing first – then love and fun afterwards,’ he told The Sun.

HRVY ‘told off’ by BBC bosses after ‘breaking’ social-distancing rules with Maisie – Nov 29

HRVY dancing with partner Janette (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC)

HRVY then revealed that he got ‘told off’ by BBC bosses after he appeared to break social-distancing guidelines with Maisie. The YouTuber, who tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the series, said he was reprimanded by producers after pictures of him emerged when he was moving from one BBC studio to another. The plot thickens…

HRVY once again doesn’t rule out romance rumours – Dec 6

Maisie danced with partner Gorka Márquez (Picture: PA)

After initially denying there was anything between then, HRVY later said there could be a future for the pair in 2021.

‘Everyone loves Maisie – she’s great, a really kind soul,’ he said. ‘We’re a similar age and she has become a good friend, but we can’t become properly close because of the restrictions.

‘For now, we are both just focusing on our dancing but next year, you never know.’

The ‘kiss’ – December 19

And finally, after months of speculation and flirtation, it was reported that HRVY and Maisie shared their first kiss.

Their co-star Ranvir Singh went on to wish them all the best while standing in for Lorraine Kelly on Lorraine. Ranvir had a cheeky glint in her eye as she praised the pair. ‘I can’t say that I saw anything but all I can say they are two very talented young people,’ she grinned.

Now restrictions for the show are over, could we be seeing more of HRVY and Maisie together over the coming weeks? Watch this space.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer