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The Express Gazette
Thursday, October 1, 2026

Strictly Come Dancing Producers Hope for Romance Between Contestants Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby

Show executives are reportedly keen for the on-screen chemistry between Mercer and Ingoldsby to develop into a real-life relationship, following their recent performance.

US Politics • an hour ago
Strictly Come Dancing Producers Hope for Romance Between Contestants Cach Mercer and Maddie Ingoldsby

Producers of Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly hopeful that a romance could blossom between contestant Cach Mercer and professional dancer Maddie Ingoldsby, according to insiders. The pair, who recently performed a quickstep to Bruno Mars’s “I Just Might,” have sparked discussions about their potential off-screen connection.

Mercer, a Love Island winner, has been partnered with Ingoldsby, a new professional dancer, for the current series of the competition. While their on-screen chemistry has been noted, sources suggest that show executives are actively wishing for a romantic development between the two.

This speculation comes as Mercer is also looking to distance himself from his past relationship with Toni Laites, with whom he previously won Love Island. The narrative around Mercer and Ingoldsby is seen by some as an opportunity to create a compelling storyline for the show.

The desire for a romance to emerge on the show is not uncommon, as such storylines often generate significant public interest and media attention. The pairing of Mercer and Ingoldsby is seen by some within the production as having the potential to deliver more than just a winning performance, aiming for a real-life connection that would captivate viewers.Cach and Maddie performed the quickstep to Bruno Mars’s I Just Might on the show last week

Mercer's history with Toni Laites, his former Love Island partner, remains a point of reference, with a desire from some to move past this association and forge a new narrative with Ingoldsby.Cach is still largely connected with his ex Toni Laites, with whom he won Love Island


Sources