Ashley and Giovanni were said to have been packing on the PDA at the Strictly wrap party (Picture: Splash; Rex)

Their romance was thought to be driving a wedge between partnerships behind the scenes.

But as soon as Strictly Come Dancing concluded, Ashley Roberts and Giovanni Pernice seemingly refused to hide their tryst any longer.

The rumoured couple, who ultimately lost out to Stacey Dooley in the Strictly final, were reportedly snogging and touching in front of their co-stars at the wrap party on Saturday night, after weeks of secrecy.

A source told The Sun: They felt they had to keep things quiet during the show but threw caution to the wind at the party.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo dated 15/12/18 of finalists (left to right) Dianne Buswell, Joe Sugg, Faye Tozer, Giovanni Pernice, Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton, Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing live final on BBC One. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Saturday December 15, 2018. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
Its believed the romance was causing some tension with partners Pasha Kovalev and Faye Tozer (Picture: BBC)

They couldnt keep their hands off each other – full on snogging and touching in front of everyone.

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Both competitors have previously insisted that they were strictly single, denying that they were dating when she once let slip that they had been out for drinks.

She said she was focussed on her dancing, but ultimately one-time favourite Ashley and her professional partner Pasha Kovalev lost out on the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday.

So did Giovanni and his celebrity partner Faye Tozer who, despite achieving three perfect scores, were beaten by firecracker Stacey Dooley.

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Its been claimed that the connection between Ashley and Giovanni was making rehearsals frustrating for Pasha this week because he felt like the former Pussycat Doll was distracted.

Relations were said to be incredibly volatile for the competitors with plenty of sniping going on behind the scenes.

Though now the show is over, perhaps their romance can finally flourish.

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