Ryan Dunn

By SARAH BULL

Getting stuck in: Kara looks as though she is thoroughly enjoying herself as she kisses her sexy Santa

They're the reality show couple who have kept viewers guessing for months about the status of their relationship.

But now Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev have once and for all confirmed they are a couple by sharing a kiss under the mistletoe for all to see on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

The pair share a steamy clinch after taking part in a group dance which also features semi-finalists Pamela Stephenson, Gavin Henson, Matt Baker and Scott Maslen.

And a show insider said the crew had been stunned by the public display of affection, adding: 'No-one quite expected Kara to plant that much of a smacker on Artem - but did they really need the mistletoe?'

It's not the first time Kara and Artem have shared a kiss on the small screen, having locked lips just after winning the final of Strictly last weekend.

And former EastEnders star Kara kept speculation about their relationship going when asked if they were officially a couple.

Christmas kiss: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev share a clinch on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special

Kara replied coyly: '‘Fingers crossed. We will see what happens.’

The actress later told BBC Breakfast there has always been chemistry between the couple, from their very first meeting.

She said: 'We've got on like a house on fire all the way through, which is quite a big achievement in itself because it's intense and you do have low moments.

'Now we're out of the studio it will be nice to do some normal things like go to the cinema and the shops.'

Loved-up: Kara and Artem were seen out and about in north London earlier this week

And the pair are getting on so well that Artem, 28, who is staying at her family’s North London home, made dinner for her whole family after the show.

By getting to know each other on the show Kara revealed it was a strange situation to fall for someone.

She added: ‘It is just one of those weird things where you meet someone but it is not in a normal environment, there is no time to do anything sociable,’ she added.

'I hope we can continue to get on like we have done and I guess we will see what happens. We will chill out and probably go to a nice restaurant in the week I hope.'

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is on BBC1 on Saturday December 25 at 7pm.