Strictly star announces engagement as celebrities congratulate him

A Strictly Come Dancing star has proudly revealed that he has got engaged to his girlfriend – sparking congratulations from his celebrity friends. CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson, 30, who was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu on the hit BBC show in 2021 revealed on his Instagram page that he had popped the question to girlfriend Beth.

In a post he said: “She said yes! #caymanislands #engagement.” The picture showed Rhys and Beth with her showing off her new ring.

Well-wishers rushed to add their congratulations in the comments section, including many stars of the show such as Rose Ayling-Ellis, Tess Daly, judge Oti Mabuse and dancer Neil Jones. Former winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, said: “CONGRATULATIONS!!!”

Dancer Oti Mabusi had caps lock on when she said: “AAAAAAAAAHHHHH CONGRATULATIONS WE LOVE TO SEE IT.” Radio and TV host Lauren Laverne added: “Congratulations!!”

Tess Daly said: “Congratulations!” CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill said: “Sooo happy for you guys. Best news xxxxx.”

Children’s TV star Naomi Wilkinson added: “Amazing news! Huge congratulations.”

In the 2021 series, Rhys narrowly missed out on a place in the final with the former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis taking the crown along with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

Looking back on his time on the ballroom show, Rhys previously said it was “very scary” but a lot of support was given off camera.

He told OK! magazine: “They have their own therapists in there. They’ve got people that who you can talk to if you’re feeling lonely, because I mean, they know it can be a very stressful show in a very scary show.”