Karim Zeroual is "too busy" to deal with the \'Strictly Come Dancing\' curse rumours.
The CBBC presenter has been romantically linked to professional dance partner Amy Dowden - despite Karim having dated student Poppy Birtwistle for three years and Amy preparing to marry her fiancé Ben Jones - but he insists their friendship is purely platonic.
He said: "I don\'t really know about any rumours. I\'m too busy learning to do this waltz than to worry about stuff like that."
Amy Dowden Reflects on Physical Toll of Cancer Treatments and Medically Induced Menopause
Whilst Amy added to the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Karim is coming to my wedding next July ... I\'m so excited."
Karim has also hit back at claims he has dancing experience, as he impresses week on week with his performances.
He said: "I was a singer in musical theatre, \'The Lion King\', when I was about eight! There\'s no movement in it!"
Amy Dowden Shares Positive Health Update Following Second Mastectomy
The television presenter hopes his stint on \'Strictly\' will help him springboard into other roles too.
He added: "I definitely want experience on other telly. Kids\' telly is amazing ... this is the best job in the world. It\'s not even work, I get paid to have a pie in my face!"
Karim was previously forced to deny a blossoming romance between him and Amy.
He shared at the time: "Oh no - there\'s nothing going on between me and Amy. I have a girlfriend. But Amy and I are really good mates - a bit too good. We tease each other constantly, and it goes a bit far, and she nags me a bit - but look, it is all out of love."
5 July 2026 - 8:07 PM
30 November 2025 - 5:44 AM
