Tickly tongue dancing

DANCE duo Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff finally prove they`re much more than Strictly just good friends - as they enjoy a passionate snog in the sun.

The pair ended months of speculation about their relationship yesterday after jetting off to Rome for a romantic break.

Boxing champ Joe, 37, tenderly held Kristina in his arms as he kissed her on the grass outside the Coliseum.

The couple - kicked off BBC1`s Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month - had always denied being an item. But our exclusive pictures prove romance has blossomed.

Welshman Joe and Siberian-born Kristina, 32, couldn`t keep their hands off each other as they went on a sightseeing tour in the Italian capital.

Kristina slid her hand up Joe`s shirt as they queued for tickets to the Vatican Museum and lovingly kissed his hand when they stopped for an alfresco pizza.

Joe hugged his partner round the waist and held her hand throughout their six-hour walking tour. They ended the day with another fondle at the famous Spanish Steps before retiring to their five-star hotel.

One onlooker said: "They are clearly completely in love - they`re at that stage when they can`t keep their hands off each other.

"Even in the Vatican, the Pope`s home, they couldn`t resist a fondle. Good luck to them."

Kristina ended her relationship with fellow Strictly dancer Vincent Simone earlier this year, while Joe`s ex Jo-Emma Larvin last month left the house she had shared with him in Newport, South Wales.

sections: Celebrities