‘ Maisie is my rival!'

Strictly star HRVY reveals the truth about those romance rumours

- JOEL COOPER

He’s one of the favourites to win this year’s Strictly after reaching the top of the leaderboard, so it’s no wonder HRVY is training hard.

But he’s happy to take a well-earned break from rehearsals with his dance partner Janette Manrara, 36, when we catch up for a natter on the phone.

“We’ve been doing the cha-cha-cha all morning, so it’s nice to chill out for a sec,” he tells us.

Despite being linked to EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, 19, singer HRVY, 21, is quick to downplay romance rumours. Boo!

“We’re just friends,” he explains. “I’m just here to dance and have a good time.”

Here, chatty HRVY reveals all about training with Janette, winning over a new legion of older fans, and the rivalry between him and Maisie…

Hi HRVY! How are you going to keep yourself at the top of the Strictly leaderboard?

I’m going to try to be consistent, keep working hard and keep working on my technique. Obviously you want to stay up there, but everyone’s becoming really, really good and it’s going to become harder every week, so we’ll see!

Are you very competitive?

I am competitive, but I’m also here to enjoy it as well. Now more than ever the UK public needs a good show to watch. Obviously I’d like to go far in the competition, but I just want to enjoy what I’m doing every day, training and dancing.

Maisie is at the top, too. Is there any rivalry between you?