Simone: 'Cassidy's in love with me'

Vincent Simone has joked that his Strictly Come Dancing partner Natalie Cassidy is in love with him.

When questioned about the rumours that there is more to the couple's relationship than friendship, the Italian told The Mirror that the actress cannot get enough of him.

He stated: "Natalie is in love with me, of course she is, she's only human.

Simone added: "Natalie and I have what I would call a brother-sister relationship. We're so similar in many respects, which is great for dancing."

He continued: "She was desperate to dance with me. When we met, she paid me so many compliments I was embarrassed."

Simone is currently seeing air hostess Susan Duddy, with whom he has a son called Luca.

However, he admitted that he still has a roving eye. The professional dancer stated: "I really love older ladies. I love mums and even grannies. I like to make them feel special."

When asked if his diminutive stature puts off the ladies, Simone said: "Oh no, I'm small but perfectly formed. I speak with a lisp but I love it. It's sexy. It's different. I like to be unique. People have always loved me."

> Simone: 'Cassidy's curves are a plus'