Stephen Nedoroscik, the “Clark Kent” of gymnastics and all-around sweetheart, has always been super open about his love for his long-time girlfriend. However, he suddenly got caught up in romance rumors with his Dancing with the Stars partner. This all started when Stephen joined the show with Rylee Arnold. With his Olympic wins already in the spotlight, their undeniable dance chem began to heat up, sparking talk that they might be more than friends—even though Stephen is happily committed to Tess McCracken. Tess has been cheering both him and Rylee on throughout the season, and the couple has never shied away from sharing their love story.

Stephen quickly set things straight, saying that while he and Rylee are close, it’s strictly platonic. He even shared that he, Tess, and Rylee often chill together, having fun game nights with classics like Face 10 and Codenames and some fans even think that Stephen and Rylee give off “brother-sister” vibes. And just to end the rumors on a high note, Rylee recently “hard launched” her own relationship on social media, confirming she’s dating Walker Lyons, an 18-year-old freshman football player for USC Trojans, after being “single” for what felt like forever. Now, she’s even dropping some inside scoop about her new romance!

In a chat with Access Hollywood after their week-seven dance, Rylee Arnold didn’t just dive into performance talk. The reporter started off by calling out her recent “hard launch” of her relationship, teasing her about her earlier plans to keep things private. Curious about the timing, the reporter asked why it felt like the right moment to make it official.

With a big smile, Rylee explained that she’s “just feeling really good” in her relationship, saying she’s found “a really good guy” who makes her genuinely happy. She shared that it felt like the perfect time to open up to fans, adding, “I just think it was really fun and I’m so grateful to have somebody who makes me feel as special as he does.”

Questions kept rolling in, and of course, fans wanted the scoop on how Rylee and Walker first met. She called it one of those “crazy coincidences” that only mutual friends could make happen. But the best part? When Rylee debuted her relationship with Walker Lyons on October 27, her comments section exploded with love and support. Tess McCracken, Stephen’s girlfriend, couldn’t resist a little shoutout of her own, joking, “The best ones are Big 10💙”—a nod to her own romance with Stephen, which began on Penn State’s gymnastics team in the NCAA’s Big Ten Conference.

And for those wondering if a double date is in the works? Rylee laughed, admitting, “We have not, but that is on the list of things that needs to get done.” And so, it seems that fans might just see a Rylee-Walker and Stephen-Tess double date soon! This conversation comes after Stephen and Rylee’s thrilling seventh-week performance, where they embraced Halloween night with a spine-chilling contemporary routine. Stephen embodied a haunting specter with torn attire and ghostly makeup, while Rylee glided in as the haunted heroine in flowing silk.

With a fiery backdrop, flashing eyes, and eerie hands, the stage set the perfect atmosphere. Their moves were precise, their chemistry electric, making them score their first perfect 10 and a grand total of 28, where Carrie Ann crowned it the “best dance of the night.” And while rumors about their connection were swirling earlier, they’ve now revealed the secret behind their close bond!

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee spill the tea on their unique bond!

After delivering a standout performance, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold sat down to chat about their journey on Dancing with the Stars — and let’s just say, the friendship vibes were off the charts! Access Hollywood recently dropped a video titled “Rylee Arnold GUSHES Over New BF, Talks Stephen Nedoroscik Double Date Plans”, and the duo didn’t hold back on sharing what makes their bond so special.

When asked to describe their connection, Rylee couldn’t help but gush, explaining, “We’re like just best friends; we constantly poke fun at each other, and I’m so grateful for Stephen and everything he has given me.” She shared how much his positive energy lifts her, both on and off the dance floor. “Honestly, going into the studio with him and having his positive attitude around really builds me up as a person and makes me a better person,” she added. Safe to say, this connection is more than just dance—it’s a friendship built on mutual respect and joy.

Stephen jumped in with his own heartfelt words, saying it’s like they “radiate positivity on the dance floor” together. For him, Rylee’s influence has been undeniable, and he considers himself lucky to have her as his coach and friend. Their chemistry on stage and camaraderie off it makes for a dynamic duo we can’t help but root for!