GMTV presenter Kate Garraway today said she and her husband were as in love as ever, quashing rumours about her relationship with her Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke.

In a statement released by her solicitors Schillings, Garraway, who is married to psychotherapist Derek Draper, said she had been "extremely hurt" by allegations in a Sunday newspaper.

She said: "Contrary to these insinuations Derek and I are as faithful, happy and in love today as we have ever been.

"The plain truth is that Anton and I became friends during Strictly Come Dancing.

"Since then we often work and hang out together. For that to be twisted into something else is sad, hurtful and totally untrue."

The statement said proceedings had been issued in the High Court for libel.

Garraway added: "I am extremely upset and hurt by the allegations. I made it clear before publication that there was no truth to them whatsoever.

"Given they were published in any event and continue to be published, I feel I have no option but to take libel proceedings against the newspaper to set the record straight.

Garraway met Du Beke when they were partnered together for the BBC show at the end of last year.

The pairing proved to be a hit with the audience, who, despite Garraway's limited dancing skills, controversially voted to keep her in the competition ahead of other contestants, including one of the favourites, Gabby Logan.

Garraway announced her engagement to Draper in July 2005, and the couple married two months later.

Their first child, a girl named Darcey, was born in March 2006.

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