You won't believe what Strictly star Tabby Stoecker did before becoming famous

Tabby Stoecker has been impressing fans every week as she takes to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor with new professional Mark Karmalita.

The pair have consistently impressed over the weeks, especially with their American Smooth in Movie Week and their jaw-dropping Argentine Tango. This week, the duo are dancing a Couple's Choice to Olivia Rodrigo's hit track, stupid song.

Before appearing on Strictly, Tabby found fame in the Winter Olympics, snatching a gold medal in the mixed team skeleton event at this year's Games, which were held in Milan. And when her Strictly journey comes to an end, she will continue appearing on our screens, as she will feature in the new series of Gladiators under the fitting moniker 'Gold Star'.

But what do you know about Tabby's life away from the world of Strictly and sport? From her handsome boyfriend to her surprising background before becoming an Olympian, here is all you need to know...

Tabby Stoecker's famous boyfriend

Tabby is currently in a relationship with Pat Atkin, who used to compete as a skeleton racer as well. During his career, he has competed in events held in Innsbruck, Lillehammer, Altenberg and Bludenz.

He has since retired from elite sports, pivoting to work in sports marketing and media, including running the social media for the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association. He has also worked on social media for elite football team Real Madrid.

It's unclear when the pair first became an item, but Pat was in the crowd when Tabby won the gold medal alongside her sports partner, Matt Weston. After winning gold, the athlete said: "My boyfriend is there, but all my friends and family who have come out to watch, that’s just made it so special.

"I got to put my gold medal on my niece and nephew, they were saying how heavy it was and that’s just a moment that is going to last forever."

Tabby Stoecker's surprising background

Tabby blew fans away on Movie Week when she performed a routine inspired by The Greatest Showman, but this wasn't the first time that she ran away with the circus.

Before becoming famous, the star headed to an open day at the National Centre for Circus Arts. She spent six years training in disciplines including clowning, juggling and trapeze artistry.

Speaking about her surprising background, the 25-year-old confessed: "To be honest, it was one of the most incredible things. It was an incredible opportunity for me and just the people that you were surrounded by.

"It was this massive community and they really cared about your wellbeing as well as your training. I think that just gave me a very well-rounded level of athletic ability."

Despite excelling at the work, Tabby admitted she didn't see a "career for myself in circus", which is what ultimately led to her becoming a skeleton racer. "I got accepted for skeleton and they taught me how to run, how to lift, and when I went out on the ice for the first time, that feeling of adrenaline was quite familiar, I guess," she said. "I had good spatial awareness and body awareness, and I just picked it up, and I guess the rest is history."