Strictly star Nicola Adams and girlfriend Ella Baig act like no one is watching as they enjoy a tender moment on the tube

By Andrew Bullock For Mailonline 12:12 31 May 2021, updated 10:31 02 Jun 2021

Boxer Nicola Adams and her girlfriend Ella Baig were spotted on the London Underground over the bank holiday weekend, looking particularly cosy.

The couple were notably not wearing face masks, despite it being a requirement on the tube amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have since stated they are both exempt on medical grounds - yet Nicola, 38, was clutching a mask in her hand. Ella, 23, did not appear to have a mask with her.

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Journey: Boxer Nicola Adams and her girlfriend Ella Baig were spotted on the London Underground over the bank holiday weekend, looking particularly cosy

The pair have also been seen in the past wearing masks in public spaces, for example when they were snapped at Heathrow airport heading to the Maldives amid London's Tier 4 lockdown at Christmastime.

The girls documented their flight to the tropics on the plane, both keeping their masks on for the journey.

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However, MailOnline understands that they wear masks 'as much as they can', but due to medical exemptions can't keep them on all the time, as clarified by their representatives. Nicola has previously discussed her problems with severe asthma which were first diagnosed when she was a child.

The Transport For London website states: 'Face coverings must be worn for the full duration of journeys on the public transport network, including inside stations, and in taxis and private hire vehicles.

Rules: It is a requirement on the tube amid the COVID-19 pandemic to wear face coverings, unless you are exempt - Nicola and Ella are both exempt

Jetting off: They were seen arriving at Heathrow Airport in December to escape the UK's Tier 4 lockdown for a 'work trip' to The Maldives - both with face coverings on

'If you do not, you could be denied travel, or receive a minimum £200 fine which will double each time you are caught not wearing a face covering, up to £6,400.

'Exemptions apply for age, health and disability reasons.'

Those exempt are advised to wear a face covering exemption badge or to carry a face covering exemption card.

The couple's outing comes after they attended Denise Van Outen's cabaret show at Proud Embankment over the weekend.

Exemptions: MailOnline understands that they wear masks 'as much as they can', but due to medical exemptions can't keep them on all the time, as clarified by their representatives [pictured in December]

Ella suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction however, as they arrived at the riverside venue on Friday night.

She left little to the imagination in a skimpy lime green mini dress with a very daring thigh-high split - which showed off more than she likely intended.

The model appeared too keen to display her figure in the eye-catching strapless number, which she wore with a pair of matching elbow-length gloves.

Uh oh! Ella suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction however, as they arrived at the riverside venue on Friday night

Despite Ella's dress fail, the couple appeared in great spirits as they chatted and laughed throughout the show.

They made the most of the night by sipping on cocktails as they watched Dancing On Ice star Denise, 47, perform.

Also in attendance at the event was Strictly star Karen Hauer, who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself as she sat with a group of friends.

FACE MASK POLICY IN THE UK

Face masks must be worn on public transport and in many indoor spaces, including shops, shopping centres, indoor transport hubs, museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries.

It is currently the law for passengers to wear face coverings in taxis and private hire vehicles, in hospitality venues, like restaurants and bars, other than when you are eating and drinking. Staff in retail and hospitality settings are also legally required to wear face coverings.

If necessary, the police and Transport for London (TfL) officers have enforcement powers including issuing fines of £200 (halving to £100 if paid within 14 days).

It comes after the World Health Organisation and numerous studies suggested they are beneficial.

As announced, the Government will bring forward changes to mean that for repeat offenders these fines would double at each offence up to a maximum value of £6,400.

The Prime Minister has also announced tougher enforcement measures, with businesses facing fines or closure for failing to comply with coronavirus rules, meaning there will be consequences for pubs that try to serve you at the bar.

National Police Chiefs' Council chairman Martin Hewitt said: 'Individuals, businesses and households all have a responsibility to ensure the virus is suppressed and police will play their part in supporting the public to navigate the measures in place for our safety.

'Our approach of engaging with people and explaining the regulations in place will remain. The vast majority of situations are resolved following those two stages, with little need for further encouragement or enforcement action to be taken,' he said.

'Police will continue to work with their communities and only issue fines as a last resort.

'Chiefs will be stepping up patrols in high-risk areas and will proactively work with businesses, licensing authorities and local authorities to ensure the rules are being followed.

'If members of the public are concerned that the law is being broken or they are experiencing anti-social behaviour, they can report this to the police, who will consider the most appropriate response and will target the most problematic behaviour.'

Covid-19 Ella Baig Nicola Adams London