john and partner paul© Photo: Instagram

Who is Strictly star John Whaite's fiancé Paul Atkins? Everything you need to know

John is making history on the dancefloor

Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
December 18, 2021

John Whaite is making Strictly history with dance partner Johannes Radebe as they reach the final in the first all-male partnership on the show. 

READ: Exclusive: John Whaite reveals romantic week away after Strictly 

The pair have already become quick fan-favourites due to their infectious personalities and incredible routines, that often see them on the upper end of the judges' leaderboard.

WATCH: Strictly fans in tears over AJ and Kai adorable hidden mics moment

But when he's not training hard, John spends time at home with fiancé Paul Atkins. Here's everything we know about their relationship…

Who is John Whaite?

John Whaite is 32-years-old and rose to fame when he won the third series of The Great British Bake Off back in 2012. Since then, the star has released several cookbooks and has presented on shows like Lorraine, Chopping Block and Steph's Packed Lunch. He also has his own cookery school, John Whaite's Kitchen Cookery School, which opened back in 2016 in Wigan.

MORE: Exclusive: John Whaite reveals big future plans with Johannes after Strictly

MORE: Exclusive: Strictly's John Whaite reveals he cries 'every day' for this touching reason

John first discovered baking when he was a young child after his parents divorced, and he learnt to bake alongside his two sisters, Jane and Victoria.

Is John Whaite in a relationship?

John Whaite has been in a relationship with graphic designer Paul Atkins since 2008, with the pair first meeting over Facebook. Paul lives with John in their Leeds home, but he is often away from the spotlight with his social media profiles set to private.

Paul does, however, appear regularly on John's feed, including in a post recently where the Bake Off star shared an insight into their date nights. The couple embraced in front of a striking wall with a tree and bird motif. Paul looked dapper in black top and jeans with a grey jacket, while John styled out some grey trousers and a black tank top.

© Photo: Instagram

John and Paul got engaged in 2017

The couple got engaged in 2017, with John sharing: "My true love. We've decided to get married. We've fought for these rights, and we shall use them." They had previously appeared on the cover of Attitude in 2014 where they discussed wedding plans, where they revealed they were planning a "low-key" affair.

"My mum has an old manor house up north so I'd like it there," John explained. "We'd like an 'English country bumpkin' wedding! But as there are no rules, we can do whatever we like."

Is John Whaite worried about the 'Strictly curse'?

Although many couples have fallen victim to the so-called 'Strictly curse' during the show's run, John is adamant this won't happen to him and Paul.

© Photo: BBC

John has laughed off rumours about the so-called 'Strictly curse'

Speaking to The Sun he said: "There is no attraction because you see sweat and everything," and admitted that he felt he had once "burped" in Johannes' face. He added: "If you could see our sweaty underpants, you wouldn't find us sexy. As we peel our ­costumes off and wipe off our make-up, you'd think, 'Oh my God, they're rank!'"

The dancing pair are firm friends, with John recently revealing that he and Johannes plan to celebrate their Strictly journey with a big night out after the show finishes. "We're gonna have a good night out when we’re allowed, if COVID permits," he told HELLO! 

"We've got a friendship for life there and I think if you can spend ten hours a day with somebody, five, six days a week, and never fall out, that's something special. And that's something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

MORE: Ola & James Jordan's Strictly verdict: Rose's terrifying lift, John's mistake and AJ's connection with Kai

And despite media reports of animosity between Johannes and Paul, this doesn't seem to be the case as all, as John previously revealed that his fiancé had even made a "small lunchbox" for his dance partner.

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