First look at new single Danny Cipriani and Strictly partner Jowita Przystal on the dance floor as the rugby player’s wife was ‘discovered’ when she saw the photos

A first look at the festive special Strictly Come Dancing was released on Tuesday ahead of its Christmas Day broadcast.

And Danny Cipriani, who recently split from his wife Victoria, looked to be having the time of his life as he danced with his professional partner, Jowita Przystal.

The former rugby player, 36, is said to have left his ex ‘gutted’ after he shared behind-the-scenes photos of himself and the dancer during rehearsals last week.

MailOnline exclusively revealed that Danny and Victoria ended their relationship a fortnight ago, and nine days later he was linked to Jowita.

A source told The Sun: ‘Victoria was devastated when she saw the pictures of Danny and Jowita.’

Danny Cipriani, 36, is said to have left his ex Victoria ‘gutted’ after sharing behind-the-scenes photos of himself and Jowita Przystal during rehearsals last week

They added: ‘It was only nine days ago that Danny announced on Instagram that they had split – which Victoria had no idea about. That was annoying enough for her.

“But to see her husband so close to another woman is absolutely heartbreaking for her.”

Danny clung to Jowita as they filmed the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special on Tuesday.

He captioned the social media photo: As I tag the names I smile away and watch everyone smile away in the photo too!! All the amazing people in this picture, as well as the crew behind the scenes, who are amazing for someone’

Danny then gave a special mention to Jowita: ‘Special thanks to @jowitaprzystal for always making it fun… Strictly speaking❤️.’

In another image shared to Instagram, the pair were seen cozying up in the dance studio during rehearsals.

Sources claimed the pair could be a ‘sizzling couple’ and will spend many hours together during the two weeks of rehearsals before their performance.

An insider said: ‘BBC bosses must have had some idea they would be a sizzling duo on the dancefloor, but on a personal level they probably didn’t expect them to get so close so quickly.’

Last month, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Danny and his wife Victoria have made time for their relationship

Just nine days later he was linked to Jowita, which Victoria found ‘absolutely heartbreaking’.

“They join a long line of stars and professionals who have grown closer as a result of long, intimate sessions in the rehearsal studio.”

Jowita is believed to be single after splitting from Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice earlier this year.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Danny Cipriani and Strictly Come Dancing for comment.

Danny is one of six stars taking part in this year’s Strictly Christmas Special, alongside Keisha Buchanan, Tillie Amartey, Sally Nugent, Dan Snow and Jamie Borthwick.

He said: ‘I’ve always loved the concept of Strictly Come Dancing, it wasn’t something I ever thought I would do.

‘After discussing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance without limitations.

‘Strictly brings joy to everyone’s living room, it will be special to be part of that on Christmas Day.’

MailOnline exclusively revealed that Danny and his wife Victoria sealed their relationship a fortnight ago after a series of ‘difficult’ arguments via text messages on his phone.

Danny released a statement at the time to announce the news, telling his Instagram followers that he “wished only the best” for his ex.

Victoria has since announced that she was shockingly “made aware of the situation at the same time as the public” in a now-deleted post.

The media personality opened up about the difficult time and apologized for her “emotionally charged reaction.”

The former rugby star shared a beautiful group photo of all the participants who took part in the show last week

She wrote, “Danny publicly announced our split without any prior notice or discussion with me. I was informed of the situation at the same time as the public, and this caused me great pain.

“I apologize if my reactions and responses seemed reactive or emotionally charged.

‘The truth is that I am still going through a difficult time, and it is challenging for me to see Danny speaking publicly about our divorce when I have not yet found the strength to process, adapt or heal .

Victoria concluded, “I really don’t want to get caught up in the fanfare. I’m sorry for the pain I caused.’