Strictly Come Dancing: Artem Chigvintsev denies 'kicking and shoving' Fern Britton after shocking claims

Chigvintsev trained Britton for the 2012 series of the BBC dancing competition

Fern Britton hugs her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev after being voted off (Rex Features)

Russian professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has denied claims made by Fern Britton about their training time together on Strictly Come Dancing.

TV presenter Britton was paired with Chigvintsev for the 2012 series of the BBC1 dancing competition but earlier this week told The Times that he had "kicked" and "shoved" her during their rehearsals.

Britton reportedly said that Chigvintsev would "look at her feet and just kick or shove" before jokingly telling her "shut your face" and "go home before I kill you".

"What was his other one? 'If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb," she said. "I thought, well, I won't correct him on that one. We did love each other for a moment or two but he wasn't charm personified. I did kind of enjoy it but it was grim at the same time."

Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev on Strictly Come Dancing (Getty Images)

Britton's latest comments do not line up with those made when she was voted off the show. "Artem, I've loved it, I wouldn't have swapped you for anything," she said at the time. "There have been highs and lows, we've got to know each other pretty well and I do adore you".

Chigvintsev remained silent after the news broke but has now stepped up to defend himself, insisting that Britton's statements "do not reflect any situation [he] recognises".

"I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care, and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am," he told The Independent.

"I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me. I just want to thank all my fans and friends for their support and belief in me".

Britton's representatives have told us that she has no further comment to make.