BBC Strictly former pro arrested on suspicion of domestic violence after ditching UK for USA
Artem Chigvintsev (right) has been arrested in California
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A former Strictly Come Dancing winner has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, reports have claimed.
Artem Chigvintsev is best known to dance fans in the UK for his participation in the BBC series, winning his debut campaign with Kara Tointon.
He's also danced with Fern Britton on the show but left the cast in 2014 to embark on the US version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars.
According to the BBC, online jail records say Chigvintsev was arrested under section 273.5(a) of the California penal code - corporal injury to a spouse.
The section covers traumatic injury to a current or former spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence.
If charged as a felony, it could carry a sentence of up to four years in prison - although it can also be charged as a misdemeanour.
Artem Chigvintsev won Strictly with Kara Tointon
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It hasn't been confirmed if Chigvintsev's current wife was involved in this incident.
He was booked into the Napa County jail in California but reportedly posted a $25,000 bond to be released.
Chigvintsev is currently married to former WWE wrestling star Nikki Bella, also known as Nikki Garcia.
The pair tied the knot back in 2022 and his arrest comes less than a month after they celebrated their two-year anniversary.
Chigvintsev and Garcia also share a son who was born in 2020.
While Strictly fans may remember him best for his win with Tointon, Chigvintsev also hit headlines for his rollercoaster working relationship with Britton.
Before he moved to the States, Chigvintsev was partnered with Britton on the BBC dance show but the former This Morning host claimed the pro dancer would "look at my feet and just kick me or shove me".
Britton claimed that during their tumultuous rehearsals, Chigvintsev said to her: "'Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.’”
She added to the Times in 2015: "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."
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Artem Chigvintsev and Fern Britton clashed while on the BBC show
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Britton added at the time: "I did kind of enjoy it, but it was grim at the same time."
Chigvintsev responded to the Britton's claims at the time, telling the Daily Express: “I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am.”
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