Strictly Come Dancing is once again embroiled in controversy, with two separate rumours of illicit backstage romances threatening to plunge the beloved BBC dance competition into a fresh crisis.
The Secret 'Strictly Curse' Fling
According to recent reports, an unnamed former celebrity contestant on the show embarked on a clandestine affair with their professional dance partner during a past series. The pair were previously praised by viewers and judges for their 'great connection' and 'insane chemistry' on the dance floor, which now appears to have extended beyond the studio.
It is understood that this secret fling was successfully concealed from both the cast and the crew at the time. The mystery celebrity reportedly ended the relationship months after their Strictly stint concluded. A source told the Mail: "One of the celebrities had a fling with one of the dancers while they were still with a partner at home - and everyone has just found out."
The source added that it remains unclear whether the contestant's former partner ever discovered the infidelity, though the relationship did subsequently end.
Explosive Backstage Kiss Caught on Camera
In a separate but equally dramatic development, a 12-second video has reportedly emerged showing a married former Strictly contestant in a steamy backstage encounter. The clip is said to capture the family man, who appeared in a previous series, 'passionately kissing' his female professional partner.
The footage was allegedly filmed at Elstree Studios by a member of the production team, who spotted the pair in a compromising embrace. The video was later shared on WhatsApp, raising alarm bells for the individuals involved and the BBC.
A source revealed the gravity of the situation to The Sun, stating: "The video itself shows the famous married family man passionately kissing his female dance pro. She is sitting on his knee, and he has his hand on her back before leaning in for a kiss." The source went on to say that public release of the tape would likely 'end his marriage and destroy his carefully cultivated family man image,' sparking a major crisis.
A History of Strictly Scandals
This is not the first time the so-called 'Strictly curse' has struck the show. The most infamous precedent occurred in 2018 when comedian Seann Walsh and his professional partner Katya Jones were photographed kissing, despite both being in relationships at the time.
The fallout was severe. Walsh's relationship with actress Rebecca Humphries ended abruptly, and he faced such public backlash that he temporarily fled to the US. Reflecting on the scandal in his 2022 stand-up show, Walsh described how the incident turned his 'dream into a nightmare.'
Katya Jones, who was married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones at the time, has since stated that the moment 'doesn't define her.' The couple announced their divorce in 2019.
These new rumours emerge during a period of significant change for Strictly, following the recent announcement that iconic presenting duo Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be bowing out together.
