Latest news with #StrictlyCurse


Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV icon details Strictly 'ban' as they confess on-air 'I can't do it'
As Strictly Come Dancing is fast approaching, one ITV star has ruled out ever taking part in the BBC series. As the excitement builds for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, speculation is rife about which celebrities will be stepping onto the dance floor. Last series, the BBC programme broke new ground by featuring comedian Chris McCausland as its first blind contestant, who triumphed in the competition alongside Dianne Buswell. While the BBC has yet to confirm any participants, rumours are swirling with potential contenders such as Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, Ashley Cain, Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer tipped to be donning their dancing shoes. Yet, there's one well-known personality who has ruled himself out of the running. This Morning presenter Ben Shephard has revealed that his wife, Annie, has vetoed his participation due to fears of the infamous 'Strictly curse',reports the Mirror. The 'curse' is notorious for causing off-screen romances between contestants and their professional dance partners, often leading to relationship woes. A few years back, during a conversation with Andi Peters on Good Morning Britain, Ben confessed his desire to join the show: "Andi, I would love to do Strictly. "As you know, I spent three years in university learning to dance, I have a degree in dance - it doesn't make me a good dancer, obviously. However, he acknowledged his wife's reservations: "But my wife really doesn't want me to do Strictly, I've spoken about it very publicly, but she's not interested in me having an affair." Ben humorously remarked on his wife's stance: "I think she's being very narrow-minded and it could be a great opportunity, who knows what could happen? "It would be an amazing experience, I love a bit of spangle and glamour on a Saturday night... "As things stand though, that's a negotiation that needs to happen between the BBC and my wife. I can get myself into a lot of trouble here." The notorious 'Strictly Curse' has become a well-known phenomenon, with a number of celebrities ending their relationships after participating in Strictly Come Dancing. But it's not all about heartbreak; the show has also been the starting point for several romantic connections between stars and their dance partners. Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley are among the success stories from the show, having developed a romance during their triumphant stint in 2018, echoing the experiences of fellow participants Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell. Rachel Riley found love with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, while Seann Walsh was at the centre of controversy for his infamous kiss with his married dance partner Katya Jones, which resulted in the end of his relationship with his girlfriend.


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV star 'banned' from Strictly Come Dancing as they admit 'I can't do it'
The countdown for Strictly Come Dancing has officially begun as the BBC show is set to air later this year. Strictly: Arlene Phillips on Tom Parker-Bowles rumours Strictly Come Dancing is fast approaching as fans speculate which well-known faces will be joining the line-up. Last year, the BBC show made history when comedian Chris McCausland was the first blind contestant to take part in the beloved show and went on to win the show with Dianne Buswell. Although no official names have been announced, rumours are flying around on who could potentially by Waltzing onto the dancefloor. Currently, names including the likes of Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, Ashley Cain, Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer have been heavily speculated. However, there's one famous face that viewers won't be seeing on Strictly Come Dancing. This Morning host Ben Shephard confessed his wife, Annie, won't allow him to take part due to the 'Strictly' curse, reports The Mirror. The so-called curse is notorious for breaking up relationships as contestants often end up romantically entangled with their dance partners. A few years ago, while speaking to Andi Peters on Good Morning Britain, Ben admitted: "Andi, I would love to do Strictly. "As you know, I spent three years in university learning to dance, I have a degree in dance - it doesn't make me a good dancer, obviously. "But my wife really doesn't want me to do Strictly, I've spoken about it very publicly, but she's not interested in me having an affair." He quipped: "I think she's being very narrow-minded and it could be a great opportunity, who knows what could happen? "It would be an amazing experience, I love a bit of spangle and glamour on a Saturday night... As things stand though, that's a negotiation that needs to happen between the BBC and my wife." He quipped: "I can get myself into a lot of trouble here." The so-called 'Strictly Curse' has become infamous, with numerous celebrities parting ways with their significant others after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. It's not just break-ups; many stars have found romance with their dance partners on the show. Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley are one of the show's success stories, having fallen for each other during their victorious run in 2018, mirroring fellow contestants Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell. Rachel Riley also found love with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, while Seann Walsh made headlines for his scandalous smooch with his married dance pro Katya Jones, leading to a split from his girlfriend.


Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova gives huge love life update after Kai Widdrington split
Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova gives huge love life update after Kai Widdrington split Nadiya - who dated Kai for three years - told the Daily Mail's Eden Confidential column: "Look at me - being single is beautiful Nadiya Bychkova has decalred she loves being single - a year after her shock split from Kai Widdrington. The Strictly Come Dancing pros' fans were devastated when the pair announced their breakup in July 2024 - which was reportedly because of the pressures of working and touring with each other - but Nadiya, 35, insists she is happy and in a "really good place" being on her own. Nadiya - who dated Kai for three years - told the Daily Mail's Eden Confidential column: "Look at me - being single is beautiful. "I'm in a really good place and I'm really happy." Kai went Instagram official with his new girlfriend, executive assistant Chloe Wells in April, and he recently admitted to feeling the "happiest" he has ever been. In May, the 29-year-old star told Christine Lampard, 46, who was standing in as host on Lorraine Kelly's, 65, eponymous ITV1 magazine show: "2025 is the half of 10 years, I'm turning 30 in August, and as you said, things come at the perfect time. Article continues below "I feel very, very happy, and it's largely down to my other half as well." Even though Nadiya and Kai maintain their professionalism by working with each other on the hit BBC One Latin and Ballroom dancing show - they are not friends. She told The Mirror in October 2024: "We work together but we are not friends and that's OK. "One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him, it will be amazing because I'm a professional." Nadiya also told the Daily Mail that she is "tired" of the rumours that she and her 2021 Strictly dance partner, 48-year-old broadcaster Dan Walker, were more than good friends - despite Dan being happily married to his wife Sarah for over 20 years. Speaking about the gossip, Dan told The Sun in 2021: "The rumours about us were ... disappointing. I know these happen every year on Strictly, and there have been instances in the past of the so-called curse, and it's just telly. But it's just not nice." Dan also said he and Sarah used to joke about the infamous Strictly Curse - a phenomenon that sees individuals taking part in the show who are already in relationships end up finding a romance from the programme. He added: "When Sarah saw who I was partnered with, we had to have a laugh about it. "Obviously, you discuss those things, the curse, but it wasn't a lengthy discussion. I think we tried to make it light-hearted, to have fun doing it. Article continues below "But the first Monday I trained with Nadiya, she came around and had dinner with my family. We've been out four or five times to restaurants. "My family is really, really important to me and always have been and always will be. I didn't want them to feel excluded. "So no, being paired with Nadiya was never a problem. Friendship is a blessing. And I think from the moment we first met, Nadiya and I knew we were going to get on."


Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Strictly Come Dancing in talks with married reality TV star as BBC bosses back him to resist show's 'curse'
Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly in talks with a married reality TV star, as BBC bosses are convinced he won't fall victim to the show's infamous 'curse'. The so-called 'Strictly curse' has been a tabloid staple for over a decade - rooted in the idea that taking part in the show often spells trouble for contestants' relationships. Now, insiders reportedly claim producers are keen to sign none other than Paul Brunson. The clean-cut relationship expert is known for his roles on Channel 4 's hit shows Married At First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating. The American star, who now lives in London, is seen as a safe option - and potentially just what Strictly needs following two drama-filled series. A source told The Sun: 'Paul would be the ideal tonic to the dark clouds over Strictly as he's clean-cut, very intelligent and has no scandals to worry about. 'They are now in discussion but he's met with producers a number of times. 'Everyone is hoping he'll sign on the dotted line and is keen to make it happen.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Paul's representatives for comment. It comes just days after a Gladiators star was rumoured to have signed up for this year's show after 'impressing' BBC producers on the Christmas special. The superhuman, 36, took part in last year's festive edition and was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu. Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines Aryeetey, has reportedly agreed to appear on the regular series this autumn. A show insider told The Sun how the ex-Olympian had been on bosses' wish list for some time now. The said: 'Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. 'They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing. 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' MailOnline has contacted Nitro's rep and the BBC. Nitro previously hinted at a role in the main series when he revealed he would be taking part in the Christmas special with an injury. He told The Mirror: 'I am carrying an injury to some degree. It's been quite tough. I'm not my full self. Hopefully that's taken into consideration. But at the same time, I'm just here for a good time. I can dance, I can enjoy myself, that's the most important thing. 'Although I think we're going to do well and although I think we're going to have fun with it, it would be nice to do myself 100% justice by competing another time on the main series. 'It would be good to be in a position where I can show my ultimate self. I've got the bug. If the opportunity arises… it's obeing in an arena and learning a new skill. If the opportunity arises, I would jump at it, literally because I'll be able to jump by then.' Earlier this year Strictly Come Dancing confirmed the professional lineup for 2025. Dianne Buswell, who lifted the glitter ball in December with Chris McCausland, will be joining Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal in returning to the dance floor this September. Amy Dowden, who pulled out in the opening weeks of last year's show due to a foot injury, will also be back on Strictly for 2025, as will Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, who didn't have a celebrity partner last year. Despite rumours that he might be making a return after missing out on last year's series, Giovanni Pernice will not be heading back to the ballroom this time around. Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said : 'The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.'