EX-STRICTLY star Artem Chigvintsev was accused of threatening ‘to kill’ a former celebrity dance partner – years before his domestic violence arrest.
Yesterday, the Russian dancer, 42, was booked by cops in California after they were called to a “medical emergency” at a property.
He was taken in on domestic battery charges – after officers allegedly spotted suspected injuries at the scene – and released on £19,000 bail.
Following his arrest, reports have resurfaced surrounding claims made by his former Strictly partner Fern Britton.
The pair danced together on the BBC show in 2012 and finished in 10th place – Chigvintsev’s worst performance on the programme.
Fern previously told The Huffington Post: “He would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me.
“He was like, ‘Shut your face. Go home before I kill you’.
“I would say, ‘Oh please just kill me, it would be easier’. Or what was his other one? ‘If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb.’ I thought, well I won’t correct him on that one.”
She said that while there were moments they got on, he ultimately lacked charm.
Two years prior to dancing with Fern, Chigvintsev won Strictly with actress Kara Tointon, who he would go on to have a romantic relationship with.
He now competes on US programme Dancing With The Stars and has become a well-known celebrity in the States, thanks in part to his marriage to WWE superstar Nikki Bella.
Details about his arrest were not immediately disclosed and the victim has not been named.
It is not yet clear who made the call to the emergency services. TMZ reported that paramedics and the fire department were on their way to the property when the medical request was cancelled.
Chigvintsev first appeared on Dancing with the Stars during the 18th season.
He was the first dancer to win the competition on both sides of the Atlantic, scooping the top prize in the America version with reality star Kaitlyn Bristowe in 2020.
The Russian dancer joined Strictly during series eight in 2010 when he was partnered with ex-EastEnders actress Kara.
He made it to the semi-final of the show in 2011, with actress Holly Valance as his partner, before he teamed up with TV veteran Fern in the 2012 series.
He was last partnered with Coronation Street star Natalie Gumede in 2013, with the pair securing the runner-up spot.
SHOW SWITCH
Chigvintsev has appeared in 12 seasons of Dancing with the Stars in total.
He most recently starred last year when he was paired with The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson.
It was during the competition’s 25th season that he met his wife, Nicole Garcia – a former WWE superstar and Hall of Famer who performed under the name Nikki Bella.
Chigvintsev announced their engagement in a social media posting 2019, captioning a romantic picture of him and Garcia, “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.
“So excited for what’s to come I love you more than anything and thank you for saying Yes.”
At the time, Garcia wrote, “Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc. I said yes in France in November!
“We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!”
PARIS WEDDING
The pair tied the knot in a ceremony in Paris on August 26, 2022.
Garcia released a four-part TV special in January 2023 that followed the couple throughout their wedding planning process.
The couple welcomed their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, in July 2020.
Garcia and Chigvintsev previously told People that they hesitated about bringing their son into the limelight.
“We’ve always been very protective about – we don’t want Matteo to grow up on reality TV,” Garcia told the magazine last year.
The former WWE star told the magazine that she wants her son to decide in the future whether he wants to be on TV.
“Even though he’s in moments, we didn’t let him film a lot. Even in a series, we’re very protective of it,” she added.
“I definitely think there’s other parts of Artem and I that we could [explore].”
Pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev was reportedly arrested on Thursday on domestic violence chargesCredit: The Mega Agency
His former Strictly partner Fern Britton once claimed he told her to leave rehearsals or he would ‘kill her’Credit: PA:Press Association
Chigvintsev is married to WWE Hall of Famer, Nicole GarciaCredit: Getty
Artem Chigvintsev with Kara Tointon when they won StrictlyCredit: BBC
He also partnered Holly ValanceCredit: BBC
Nikki and Artem, pictured last year, married in Paris in 2022Credit: Getty
News
1980s pop star Toyah Willcox said she signed up for Strictly because she enjoys being challenged and seeing other women face difficulties!
POP star Toyah Willcox’s reason for signing up to Strictly Come Dancing may be found hidden in a blog post. The It’s A Mystery singer, 66, will take to the ballroom next month with a yet to be revealed professional…
Cardi B risks being “disowned” by her own mother if she doesn’t leave Offset after his multiple acts of infidelity.
Cardi B’s Mom FORCES Her To Divorce Offset | He Gave Cardi An S₮D So it looks like we’re not the only ones who are sick and tired of watching Offset cheat on Cardi B like it’s a full-time job,…
‘Betrayed’ Ruth Langsford ‘supported by Lisa Armstrong’ amid Eamonn split: ‘She knows full well how upsetting it is’
Ruth Langsford is reportedly being supported by Lisa Armstrong, the ex-wife of Ant McPartlin, following news of her split from husband of 14 years, Eamonn Holmes. Since then, the rumour mill has churned out several reasonings behind their separation. These have included…
Emmerdale: Cain and Moira trapped in fire as fans threaten to boycott soap
In Emmerdale this week, a fire has been raging in the barn, putting numerous locals at risk – including Cain and Moira’s lives. In Wednesday’s episode (September 11), an explosion occurred as Cain tried to help Moira escape the burning barn….
EastEnders: Freddie to become obsessed with Anna, a new fan theory predicts
In last night’s episode of EastEnders (Wednesday, September 11), Gina confronted Freddie over his feelings for Anna and found some pictures of her he’d drawn. Freddie admitted that he liked Anna but didn’t want to take Bobby’s girl so had to distance…
NTAs viewers fume over Stacey Solomon’s win as they spot Martin Lewis’ ‘fuming’ reaction
Viewers of the NTAs tonight weren’t too pleased after Stacey Solomon took home the award for Factual Entertainment. The former X Factor star won for her hit BBC show Sort Your Life Out. The programme watches Stacey and her team help transform family…
End of content
No more pages to load