STRICTLY'S Jacqui Smith has found love in lockdown with a top politics lecturer after the end of her 33-year marriage.
The former Labour Home Secretary split from husband Richard Timney in January this year, and met new love Dr Graham Timmins in March just days before the UK's first lockdown.
The Mail on Sunday reports the couple met outside a yoga class in her home town of Malvern, Worcestershire, before getting to know each other over Zoom during lockdown.
Dr Timmins is a highly acclaimed international politics lecturer at Birmingham University and is fluent in Russian according to the publication.
A source close to Jacqui – who is paired with Anton Du Beke on Strictly – told the outlet: "She is totally loved-up but keeps telling everyone it is early days.
"Given Graham's specialist subject is politics, it is obvious they have a lot in common. They are both really happy. To find love at this age feels incredible for both of them.'
Referring to their first encounter, Jacqui said last week: "We crossed on the stairs and I thought, 'He's nice.'"
Jacqui has two sons – Michael and James – with Richard, while Graham has two grown up daughters from a previous marriage.
The couple have found a mutual love of running and had been seen out jogging together near her home.
However, Jacqui has temporarily moved to London to be in a 'bubble' with pro-partner Anton while they compete on the BBC dancing show.
The pair danced a samba on Saturday night, but found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Meanwhile EastEnders actress Maisie Smith and pop star HRVY were joint top of the leaderboard after this week's scores were combined with last week.
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