'She's like a daughter to me!' Married Simon Rimmer, 54, slams 'one night stand' rumours with Strictly co-star Gemma Atkinson, 33, as they joke about their 'secret date'

By Connie Rusk and Jason Chester for MailOnline

Published: 21:50 GMT, 18 December 2017 | Updated: 22:45 GMT, 18 December 2017

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They have faced unfounded claims that they enjoyed a fling during their time on Strictly Come Dancing.

Now married TV chef Simon Rimmer, 54, has set the record straight about rumours of a 'one night stand' between him and co-star Gemma Atkinson, 33.

The Sunday Brunch presenter laughed off reports by insisting to a curious fan on Twitter that the soap beauty was 'like a daughter to him' - and that she is also friends with his wife.

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Strictly no basis! Married TV chef Simon Rimmer, 54, has set the record straight about rumours of a 'one night stand' between him and co-star Gemma Atkinson, 33 - insisting she has become 'like a daughter' to him during their time on Strictly Come Dancing

When he was messaged by the followers, he wrote: 'Gemma is like a daughter to me and has become a friend of all my family. I think it’s funny.'

Gemma was quick to re-tweet his words, simply writing 'Howling' alongside three crying-with-laughter face emojis to show her amusement at the claims.

He went on to jokingly ask her: 'Do you think we need to be quiet about our date on Weds with my wife and 23 of our friends Gem?'

And when one Twitter user asked if he could get an invite with his girlfriend, the talented cook quipped: 'No it's a secret date.'

Hilarious: Gemma and the married Sunday Brunch chef laughed off reports of the supposed romance, as the pair joked about their upcoming 'secret date' on Twitter

Close bond: When asked if the rumours were true, he wrote: 'Gemma is like a daughter to me and has become a friend of all my family. I think it’s funny'

His response comes after The Daily Star reported that two strictly stars out of this year's line-up engaged in the passionate one-night stand after striking up an 'instant connection'.

A source told the website: 'Strictly is like a swingers' club half the time and this year has been no different.

'There's so much sexual tension in training and on set, it's ridiculous. It's not just contestants and dancers who have got it on.'

Mystery pairing: Two Strictly Come Dancing stars out of this year's line-up took their relationship off the dance floor and enjoyed a 'steamy one night stand', according to new reports

Simon struck up a close bond with Gemma over the series, with the 54-year-old revealing he was rooting for her to lift the Glitterball trophy ahead of Saturday night's final.

News first emerged the two had engaged in some playful texts and video exchanges last month, in a WhatsApp group shared by the show’s broad mix of celebrity novices and ballroom professionals.

The naughty messages were said to be a source of amusement for other members of the group.

Fellow former contestant Reverend Richard Coles told the Daily Star: ‘Some of the group excelled themselves when it comes to naughtiness - in particular, Gemma and Simon.

‘I couldn't possibly comment what type of videos and messages get shared, but there are eye-watering things.’

Harmless: The pair struck up a close bond over the series and shared risque banter in group texts

Despite being heavily linked to Alexandra Burke's dance partner Gorka, Gemma insisted they were just close friends to Lorraine last month.

'We're just pals, we all get on well,' she said. 'We're all like a family - I know it sounds like a cliche. We have a WhatsApp group and we all keep in contact, no one has fallen out. People love drama and romance.'

MailOnline has contacted Simon and Gemma's representatives for further comment.