ROSS KING had a secret romance with a high-profile BBC presenter after the breakdown of his marriage.
The 63-year-old’s stunning ex-wife Brianna Deutsch, who he married in 2015, had feared the fling took place before they filed for divorce.
But the TV showbiz correspondent firmly denies any crossover.
Those close to Ross also insist that the casual romance with the woman happened after the breakdown of his marriage.
A source revealed: “They had been friends for a while, but nothing happened until long after he and Brianna were separated.
“They kept it out of the public eye because of their profile. Neither of them wanted the pressure of people talking.
‘Having a ball’
“Afterwards, Brianna questioned whether there was crossover and obviously had her suspicions. But Ross is very clear things only became romantic after his marriage had broken down.”
Flamboyant Ross and American real estate agent Brianna, 41, divorced in 2019.
Previously, he was married to actress Charley King, from 1999 to 2006.
He is now dating restaurant executive Bridget Siegel.
A source said his fling with the BBC staffer had “fizzled out”, adding: “He’s now very happy dating his new girlfriend and they’ve happily moved in together.
“He’s had a couple of marriages that didn’t work out, but things are going really well for him now.
“Of course, being under the glare of the Strictly spotlight is tough for anyone. But he’s been taking it all brilliantly in his stride and is having a ball.”
Fans of the ballroom contest were quick to comment as the Lorraine star went public with glamorous Bridget on last week’s show.
She proudly supported him from the studio audience, and many viewers remarked on her beauty and youth.
The brunette had flown 5,000 miles to cheer Ross on as he competes for the Glitterball.
He gushed about their relationship as it emerged he urged his partner to watch him in action on the dancefloor, with the plea: “You have to come because there might not be many of these.”
Ross has recently suggested he would not rule out remarrying, saying: “Never say never again. How about that?
“I’m such a great believer in love.
“It’s certainly not one of those things, having been married twice before.
“Either I’m really bad at it or I could be really good at it in the future, I don’t know.
“It depends which way you look at it: The glass is half full or the glass is half empty.
“But no, no, no, I’m a great believer in love.
“I feel very fortunate with Bridget that I’ve found someone who is just absolutely brilliant in every way.”
Scottish broadcaster Ross, who has been dating his current partner for three years, is best known for appearances on ITV’s GMTV, Good Morning Britain and Lorraine.
He was favourite to be first out of Strictly last weekend alongside professional partner Jowita Przystal.
It came after they finished at the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard, with just ten points for their first dance and 15 for their second.
But he was unexpectedly saved by the public vote.
Instead, it was controversial former Apprentice star and businessman Thomas Skinner who was axed following a dance-off against rugby ace Chris Robshaw and his pro partner Nadiya Bychkova.
However, bookies continue to make Ross favourite for the chop this weekend.
Last night, Brianna declined to comment on their former relationship.
