Strictly Come Dancing has long been associated with relationship break-ups and scandals, a phenomenon known as the 'Strictly curse'. The latest incident involves comedian Seann Walsh and his married dance partner Katya Jones, who apologised after being photographed kissing during a night out, which they described as a 'drunken mistake'.
The curse was first noted in 2004 when Natasha Kaplinsky was paired with Brendan Cole. Brendan split from his fiancée Camilla Dallerup amid rumours of closeness with Natasha, though both denied an affair. Natasha stated, 'There was chemistry, of course, and I certainly fell in love with dancing, but I did not fall in love with Brendan.'
Boxer Joe Calzaghe split from his girlfriend Jo-Emma Larvin shortly after joining the 2009 series. He later dated his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff for four years. Rugby star Ben Cohen also left his wife Abby Blayney after being partnered with Kristina in 2013, later confirming a relationship with her.
Professional dancer Flavia Cacace ended her long-term relationship with Vincent Simone when partnered with Matt Di Angelo in 2007. Matt and Flavia dated for three years after the show. Rachel Riley split from her husband after appearing in 2013 and later dated her partner Pasha Kovalev, though she insisted their romance began after the show.
Rachel Riley dismissed the idea of a curse, telling the Daily Mail's Event magazine that the show 'serves as a magnifying glass that shows up pre-existing fault lines'. Despite the history, several current contestants have expressed confidence that their marriages will survive the experience.
