Loader attention for Danyon

He used to shun the limelight, but Olympic gold medallist and Dancing with the Stars contestant Danyon Loader is lapping up attention on the show.

The former swimmer doesn't rate his chances, but it seems he has been a big winner with the ladies.

The chemistry between Loader and his dance partner Hayley Holt after last week's performance moved the judges to say they were "a pretty passionate couple".

But it is understood Loader, 30, has been getting cosy behind the scenes with Act leader Rodney Hide's dance partner Krystal Stuart.

The two were reportedly spotted getting up close and personal at the show's launch party two weeks ago but a TVNZ spokesman said last night that as far as he was aware nothing was going on between the pair.

However, it wouldn't be the first time the show has played matchmaker. After meeting on the show last year, Shane Cortese and his then-married dance partner Nerida Lister are now seeing each other. Tonight will see the first elimination of the second series as the celebrities show off their skills in the rumba and the quickstep.

The latest Centrebet odds have discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina at $3.25 to take the title, followed by former Shortland Street star David Wikaira-Paul at $3.50. Loader is fourth favourite at $9.