Kym Marsh supported by co-star Gethin after tough time on Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing star Kym Marsh, 46, will return to the dance floor with a Cha Cha routine on Friday night following a week off due to falling ill with Covid-19. Throughout her time on the show so far, she has been supported by her many including her close friend and Morning Live co-star Gethin Jones who is backing her for the win.

Taking to her social media this week, Kym thanked fans for their supportive messages as she returned to rehearsals with Graziano Di Prima, 28. Her week off however has also been met with some criticism which she slammed on Twitter. The Morning Live star tweeted: "Why some people feel the need to say hateful and hurtful things to others on here is beyond me! "Usually talking nonsense about people they know nothing about. Whatever happened to #bekind?" READ MORE: Zara Tindall's hug with Mike on I’m A Celeb questioned by Ant and Dec

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Gethin said he was unaware she had received some backlash, but believes she will come back fighting. The 44-year-old teased that her dance this week is "amazing" and he believes she could go on to win the show. He said: "She always knows [he supports her] we've become really good mates. "TV is so weird as well you have to rely on each other and trust each other and I think we have that.

"We have this brother and sister relationship, there's loads of banter flying around but at the end of the day I'm sure she knows I'm there to support her and will continue to do so. "I was glad to see her back dancing." Gethin went on to say he's enjoyed watching his co-star "get better" as the weeks go by, adding: "Graziano has been pushing her." The presenter knows exactly what Kym is going through after competing on the show in 2007. DON'T MISS...

Dick Strawbridge’s son accidentally leaks rare Chateau snaps too early [REVEALED]

Simon Cowell sparks fan concern after 'unrecognisable' appearance [REACTION]

Piers Morgan 'sick' as Meghan and Harry 'ruin' William and Kate's trip [OPINION]

He made it to the semi-final of the competition with dance partner Camilla Dallerup. Asked if he will tease Kym if she doesn't make it as far as him, he laughed: "Absolutely, 100 per cent, she would be disappointed if I didn't give her banter for that." He doesn't believe the light-hearted abuse will be necessary however, as he thinks she can go further than him. "100 per cent I think she could win, even early doors I thought you could totally win this," he spilled.

"It's a good year, but her Tango was just amazing and I think Graz's choreography is so good as well, I think she has every chance." Meanwhile, Gethin has shared his easy tips to elevate your at-home drinks corner this year with Gordon’s. Whether it’s a Gordon’s London Dry Gin and tonic, a Gordon’s Premium Pink 0.0% and lemonade, or the delightful Gordon’s Tropical Passionfruit with prosecco and lemonade... there’s a Gordon’s for every guest this Christmas. He said: “This year, I’m so excited to be hosting Christmas for my whole family. It’s only the second time ever I’ve been able to do it as I’m always moving around. So, I’m going BIG and inviting a lot of friends too – and it will be nice to make them all a proper G&T with Gordon’s London Dry Gin. "I’m really excited to team up with Gordon’s to bring you some brilliant home bar hacks so you can focus on quality times with a delicious drink in hand.”

⦁ No home bar to speak of? Why not designate one of your side tables as your bar cart and decorate with your glassware and display your delicious drinks selection? ⦁ Running out of space in the fridge? Grab a bucket, bowl or other receptacle, wrap some spare ribbon around the handle, for a bit of festive fun, before filling with ice to keep those tonic bottles chilled! ⦁ After a fruity twist? Freeze your favourite festive berries and herbs in ice cubes to chill your Gordon’s London Dry Gin and tonic. Taste their delicious seasonal flavours as they melt! ⦁ An abundance of ramekins from a certain pudding pot…? Repurpose surplus ramekins and fill them with a selection of garnishes so guests can get creative with their own twists on a G&T. We hear Gordon’s London Dry Gin and tonic garnished with a sprig of rosemary and wedge of lemon makes a lovely twist. ⦁ Bought too many baubles for your tree? Tie smaller decorations around the stem of your glass as a festive charm for your cocktails - great to help guests remember whose drink is whose! ⦁ If you’ve got a cake stand that has been gathering dust since lockdown, now is the time to recommission it - they’re perfect to bring a bit of dimension to your hosting area, holding short glasses, bar utensils, herbs and nibbles whilst saving you space on your counter surface too! Strictly Come Dancing: Musicals Special airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One.