BBC Strictly Come Dancing duo never aspired to stardom

Jul 6 2009 by Haydon Wood, Liverpool Daily Post

While Vincent was chosen to dance with Stephanie Beecham, 29-year-old Flavia was partnered with young EastEnders heart-throb Matt di Angelo.

It didn’t take long for viewers to spot that the sexual intensity between Flavia and Matt wasn’t just confined to their tango. Rumours were rife that their relationship was far more than just mentor and pupil and even the Strictly hosts hinted at it.

A very public break-up between the show’s former sweethearts ensued, with Vincent publicly bemoaning his betrayal and accusing Flavia of making him look a fool.

More than a year has passed since the pair split, and clearly the wounds have healed. Flavia and Matt are still a couple, while Vincent and his new partner Susan are expecting their first baby this summer.

Flavia, though, is far from keen to elaborate further on their personal arrangements, saying only that their break-up in the full glare of the media was hard to cope with.

“I think everyone would find it hard but it makes you stronger as a person and you just deal with it,” she adds. “It’s part of the whole package.”

She’s evidently resigned to taking the interest in her stride, but then it appears Flavia is nothing if not resilient. It is a thick skin formed through years of competing and being judged.

“I think you learn to cope because throughout your career, when you go to lessons, you very rarely hear the positive. Generally what you’re told is what you can improve on.

“And it’s the same with the Strictly judges. That level of criticism was a bit of a shock to begin with, especially when you’ve worked really hard all week long, but it’s amazing how used to taking it you get.”

So how does she deal with the notoriously acerbic comments of Arlene, Bruno, Len and Craig?

“Honestly I don’t even remember much of what they say,” laughs Flavia. “When you’ve just finished your dance you’re so hyped up that most of it goes in one ear and out of the other. Some you remember, some you don’t, but my memory isn’t that great which is probably lucky!”

The Summer Ball 2009 is at St George’s Hall on Saturday July 11, 7.30pm.