The UK reality hit Strictly Come Dancing isn’t as familiar to North Americans as Dancing With the Stars, but more Americans are finally starting to notice the British series. The star-studded dance competition has been a staple on BBC One since 2004 and has aired 19 seasons. The show has been so successful that over 60 countries have utilized its format under the Dancing With the Stars name. Strictly, as the show is informally referred to by fans and cast members alike, recently received praise. The reason was Strictly Come Dancing‘s first same-sex dance partners. The show has proven that it has impacted the dance world via its entertainment value and social progress, but viewers are well aware that it brings scandal too.
Despite plenty of high praise, Strictly Come Dancing has had more than its fair share of dramatic controversies. Allegations of favoritism to certain competitors, ageism, and even racism have gotten the show criticized over the years. However, the most infamous and talked about issue is the one fans have dubbed the “Strictly Curse.” The curse refers to the many breakups and affairs that the show is said to have caused throughout its run. While Dancing With the Stars has controversies to address, none quite compare to the multiple times the curse has struck Strictly Come Dancing.
The first victims of the curse were journalist Natasha Kaplinsky, her dance partner Brendan Cole, and their respective romantic partners at the time. Kaplinsky and Cole would later go on to win the show’s first season, but rumors of an affair between the two seemed to have overshadowed their victory. See Natasha in an Instagram post below:
Another notable example of the curse was when boxer Joe Calzaghe left his then-girlfriend, Jo-Emma Larvin, to pursue a four-year relationship with his dance partner, Kristina Rhianoff. After that, television presenter Rachel Riley left her husband to be with her partner on the show, Pavel “Pasha” Kovalev. Former Rugby star Ben Cohen left his wife of 11 years to be with Kristina, a move that seemed to be ripped out the pages of a The Young And The Restless soap opera script.
Most recently, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty ignited rumors when he appeared to kiss his Strictly partner Katya Jones during the 2021 season. Peaty, who has a girlfriend with whom he shares a son, has since disputed any romantic rumors about him and Katya. Nevertheless, fans continue to speculate on whether or not the pair have secretly fallen victim to the curse. Either way, it appears that Strictly Come Dancing will continue to grow its international audience. Fans will be patiently waiting to see who falls victim to the curse next.
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