Brand, Hatcher deny affair rumours

Dancing With The Stars contestants Jade Hatcher and Adam Brand deny rumours that they are more than just friends.

The pair, who were reported at the weekend to be smitten with each other, have said that they like each other but are not romantically involved.

Country rocker Brand told the Herald Sun: "The truth of the matter is we are really great mates. We are hanging out all the time, every day, seven days a week, so you get close. Everybody backstage is cuddling and giving each other back rubs."

His 19-year-old dance partner echoed: "We show our affection a lot, but dancers do get very close."

On Sunday's episode of the Australian reality TV show, the pair's performance was met with poor reviews, due to Brand having surgery on his salivary gland during the week.