Matthew MacNabb admits he formed 'emotional connection' with DWTS partner Laura Nolan

The former Love Island star raised eyebrows last month when he confirmed that he recently started dating someone he met through the RTÉ show, and many fans have speculated that Dubliner Laura is the lucky lady.

Even the Dancing With The Stars judges got in on the action last week after Matthew presented Laura with flowers after their performance, with Arthur Gourounlian commenting on the pair’s “chemistry” and Brian Redmond saying: “You ­certainly look like a happier boy this week. I’m not sure whether it’s the smell of those spring flowers or something else.”

But while he continues to keep the identity of his new girlfriend under wraps, Matthew teased that he and Laura have formed quite the connection over the past few weeks.

“We’ve really grown close,” the Down native shared.

“I think with dancing and stuff, when you’re in this process, it’s so intense. You’re in each other’s pockets for seven days a week all day. You get emotionally reliant on the person.”

He said that he and Laura bonded over the pressures of the competition and formed an “emotional connection” as a result.

“I think it’s vice versa because it really is so intense especially when you’re on stage and you’ve got all that pressure. You’ve got the whole nation watching you. You’ve got the judges, your fellow contestants watching you,” the 26-year-old explained.

“You don’t want to let people down, you don’t want to let your family down. You especially don’t want to let yourself or your partner down because you’ve put in the work. You put in ridiculous hours all day every day. My body is breaking down right now because it’s just constant.

“You really do become a lot closer because of that. There’s definitely an emotional connection with the dancing.”

Matthew even admitted that his fellow contestants have been “giving [him] grief” about his secret relationship but remained tight-lipped when it came to naming his new girlfriend.

But fans may just find out who’s stolen Matthew’s heart very soon as he revealed that he’s planning to do some travelling once Dancing With The Stars wraps up – and he confirmed the holiday will be a “two-person trip.”