Strictly Come Dancing star Seann Walsh has openly addressed being granted a "second chance" following a notorious cheating scandal that erupted nearly a decade ago. The comedian, now 40, found himself at the centre of immense controversy in 2018 when he was photographed kissing his then-dance partner Katya Jones, sparking widespread media frenzy and public outcry.
The Infamous Strictly Curse Incident
The incident occurred during Walsh's stint on the popular BBC dance competition, with both individuals involved in committed relationships at the time. Katya Jones was married to fellow Strictly professional dancer Neil Jones, while Walsh had been in a five-year relationship with actress Rebecca Humphries. The scandal quickly became one of the most talked-about moments in Strictly Come Dancing history, with Walsh later describing it as "the worst moment of his life."
Public Apologies and Personal Reflection
In the years since the controversy, Walsh has issued numerous public apologies for his actions. "I will always be sorry about what I did," he has stated previously. "I think when it all blew up, I don't think I reacted in the correct manner. I didn't know what to do, it was huge." The comedian has characterised the period following the scandal as a "nightmare," with his Strictly dream rapidly transforming into a personal and professional crisis.
Life After the Scandal
Nearly a decade later, Walsh appeared on ITV's Lorraine programme to discuss how his life has evolved since the controversy. The comedian, who now shares two children with long-term partner Grace Adderley, welcomed their first child in February 2023 and their second in March 2025. During his interview with host Lorraine Kelly, Walsh reflected on fatherhood and personal growth.
"You know you're going to make more mistakes as you go down the line," Walsh explained regarding parenting. "But just trying not to make the same ones. Make new mistakes." This philosophy of learning from past errors while accepting future imperfections has become central to his approach to life after the scandal.
A Second Chance at Career and Life
Walsh spoke candidly about his current professional resurgence ahead of his upcoming comedy tour. "It's fantastic, it's nice to be... You get a second chance at life," he shared with Kelly. "You go out and back on the road, and shows are selling out. It gives you a greater appreciation, I think."
Host Lorraine Kelly offered perspective on the passage of time since the controversy, noting: "It was eight years ago, all that hoo-ha, but when you're in the middle of that, you think it's never going to end, but it does and you move on, and you have." Kelly added: "When you think something is going to get taken away from you, that's when you know that it's worth hanging on to."
The Moment Everything Changed
Walsh has previously recounted the precise moment he learned about the public revelation of the kiss in his comedy special "Seann Walsh: Kiss." He described leaving the wardrobe department during Strictly preparations, anticipating news about a potential appearance on Michael McIntyre's Big Show. Instead, his agent delivered the devastating news that photographs of the kiss had been published.
"It was at that exact point that my life would turn upside down – the dream turned into a nightmare," Walsh recalled of that fateful conversation. The immediate aftermath saw both Walsh and Jones issuing public apologies, with the scandal dominating headlines for weeks and fundamentally altering both their personal lives and public perceptions.
Despite the professional and personal challenges that followed, Walsh has gradually rebuilt his career and personal life. His appearance on Lorraine marks a significant moment of public reflection on the scandal that once threatened to derail his career entirely. The comedian's journey from controversy to redemption continues to unfold as he embraces what he describes as a "second chance" at both professional success and personal fulfilment.
