Strictly Come Dancing stars Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova have reportedly cemented their four-year friendship by going into business together.

The pair met on the BBC show back in 2021, where they reached the quarter-finals, and have remained in contact ever since.

Daily Mail previously told of how Dan and Nadiya's close friendship became the 'talk of the Strictly' cast due to their gushing social media posts and regular meet-ups.

More than three years on from their dance partnership, Dan and the Ukrainian dancer continue to share snaps of their outings on Instagram, which is in stark contrast to his wife of 23-years, Sarah.

And sources are now sharing that Dan and Nadiya have started their own showbiz production company called Butterfly Entertainment, after forming a 'genuine bond' during their time on Strictly.

The company was reportedly set up last month and its business is listed as production and programming of motion pictures and TV, as well as performing arts. 

A source told The Sun: 'They formed a genuine bond on the show and have maintained a relationship ever since, albeit a relatively low-key one.

'They have been pictured out together in public and often attend the same events but arrive separately at different times.

'After four years of remaining close, it's perhaps not surprising they have gone into business together, particularly one which is within the arena of TV and filmmaking.'

Only Nadiya and Dan, who works as a news anchor on Channel 5, are listed as directors of the firm, in which they have an equal number of shares.

In March, Dan supported the dancer on tour, interviewing the mother of one on stage for A Special Evening with Nadiya during the Sheffield and Barnsley shows. 

They also took part in a glamorous cover shoot for the Yorkshire Post Magazine where Dan wore a tuxedo and Nadiya stunned in a figure-hugging red gown. 

Just weeks later, Dan and Nadiya were spotted having lunch in a Vietnamese restaurant in London, where they were said to be 'brainstorming some exciting projects and ideas'. 

Nadiya has been single since she and fellow Strictly dancer Kai Widdrington split last year. 

She previously revealed how she used lobster emojis in her social media posts as a subtle code for her ex-dance partner Dan.

The phrase 'you're my lobster' became popular after it was used on the American sitcom Friends, referring to a soulmate.

In June, Dan also took a night away from his family holiday in France to attend the TRIC Awards, and he made several references to Nadiya while he hosted the event.

Sources told Daily Mail have revealed that Dan acted as Nadiya's 'Instagram husband', taking time to capture the star from her best angles with a selfie ring light, before they continued their night together at an after party.

In 2022, a source revealed Dan was 'a pillar of strength' for Nadiya after she split from her fiancé Matija Škarabot, who is the father of her daughter.

One source told Daily Mail: 'Dan and Nadiya have such a great bond and he has been a pillar of strength and support for her following the breakup with Matija.

'The bond between them started during Strictly, leaving the cast and crew surprised at how close they became. They were literally inseparable and got on so well and this has continued even now the series is over.'

Another source added: 'Dan supported Nadiya with everything, including her breakup, which only made their partnership stronger. He even grew close to her mother and daughter, who really enjoyed watching them dance together on Strictly.

'Dan and Nadiya enjoy a deep and special bond, which has really helped her to get on with her new life following the split.'

TV presenter Dan has been married to wife Sarah for 24 years and has kept his relationship largely out of the spotlight. The couple met at Sheffield University and have three children.