The so-called 'Strictly curse' has claimed another victim, with the latest romance involving a Coronation Street star and their professional dance partner. The phenomenon, which has seen several relationships end or scandal erupt following appearances on the BBC One show, has been reignited by the pairing of comedian Seann Walsh and married dancer Katya Jones, who apologised after being photographed kissing.
The curse was first coined in 2004 when newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was paired with Brendan Cole. Brendan split from his fiancée Camilla Dallerup amid rumours of a close bond with Natasha, though both have denied a romantic affair. 'There was chemistry, of course, and I certainly fell in love with dancing, but I did not fall in love with Brendan,' Natasha said at the time.
Other notable cases include boxer Joe Calzaghe, who split from his long-term girlfriend after joining the 2009 series and later dated his partner Kristina Rihanoff for four years. Rugby star Ben Cohen also left his wife after being paired with Kristina in 2013, with the pair eventually confirming their relationship a year later.
Professional dancer Flavia Cacace ended a long-term relationship with fellow dancer Vincent Simone after partnering with Matt Di Angelo in 2007. Matt and Flavia dated for three years after the show. Flavia later married former Coronation Street star Jimi Mistry, with whom she was partnered in 2010.
Countdown's Rachel Riley split from her husband shortly after appearing on Strictly in 2013 and later began dating her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, though she insists the romance began after the show. 'On Strictly, you form a close bond with your partner, but there was nothing romantic when Pasha and I were dancing. It was just dancing,' she said.
