Flavia Cacace defends Matt Di Angelo

Flavia Cacace has insisted that her Strictly Come Dancing partner Matt Di Angelo should not be blamed for her split from long-term boyfriend Vincent Simone.

The professional dancer has admitted that she fell for Matt when they were paired up for the BBC One reality series, but she has strongly denied suggestions that she acted on her feelings.

Cacace also claimed that her relationship with Vincent was already in trouble before she met Matt.

"Dancing with Matt made my heart flutter and something clicked inside me," Flavia told the News of the World. "I know Vincent blames Matt for us breaking up. But it's not Matt's fault. It's my fault for falling out of love with Vincent."

On her relationship with Simone, who has claimed that his life is "in ruins" following their split, she admitted: "I was crying out for love and affection but he didn't read the signals."

Flavia added that she has struggled to cope with the recent tabloid reports about her break-up with Vincent.

"That's why I've decided to set the record straight. I don't feel guilty because nothing actually happened between me and Matt," she said. "I didn't even kiss him. But Matt and I decided we'd keep in touch after the show."