The Strictly Curse Strikes Again in 2025
The glitterball may be the ultimate prize on Strictly Come Dancing, but for some contestants, the show's most talked-about phenomenon is the so-called 'Strictly curse'. The 2025 series has been no exception, with reports emerging that the curse has struck once more, affecting a couple during the latest run of the BBC competition.
It's been claimed that a celebrity contestant, who was not single at the time, 'had a fling' with one of the professional dancers, leading to the swift end of their existing relationship shortly after. This latest incident has once again thrust the infamous curse into the spotlight, proving that even in its 22nd series, the allure and intensity of Strictly continue to create headlines away from the dancefloor.
What Exactly is the Strictly Curse?
The Strictly curse doesn't simply refer to couples meeting and falling in love on the show. Instead, it specifically describes situations where individuals who are already in relationships when they start the competition end up finding romance with their fellow participants, leading to the breakdown of their original partnerships.
Strictly co-presenter Claudia Winkleman has shared her views on the intense environment, telling Digital Spy: 'I understand, it's very intense. I don't believe in the curse, but I think lots of people have come in single and they might have met somebody or had a little romance.' She added, 'It's intoxicating, Strictly, because you're all part of this extraordinary juggernaut. So I don't think people fall in love with people, they might just love the experience.'
Notable Victims of the Strictly Curse
Over the years, several high-profile couples have fallen prey to the curse. One of the most significant cases occurred in 2018 when comedian Seann Walsh was photographed kissing his professional partner, Katya Jones. At the time, Katya was married to fellow dancer Neil Jones, and Seann was in a relationship with actor Rebecca Humphries. Both relationships ended not long after the incident.
Other couples who have been affected include:
- Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton (2018): Stacey's relationship with personal trainer Sam Tucknott ended after the series. She and Kevin are now together and share a daughter.
- Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell (2018): Dianne split from her boyfriend, actor Anthony Quinlan, while competing with Joe. The couple are now expecting a baby.
- Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev (2013): Rachel separated from her husband and later married her dance partner Pasha. They now have two children together.
- Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff (2013): Ben split from his wife of 11 years after the show and is now engaged to Kristina.
Is it a Curse or a Blessing?
For some, the so-called curse has actually been a blessing in disguise. In 2022, contestants Tyler West and Molly Rainford confirmed their relationship after meeting on the show. Tyler himself rebranded the phenomenon as a 'blessing'. The couple have since announced their engagement.
Similarly, Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez found love in 2017 despite being paired with other people. They are now engaged and have two children together. For these couples, Strictly provided the platform for a lasting romance, turning a perceived curse into a genuine life-changing connection.
As Strictly Come Dancing 2025 continues, viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely, not just for the dazzling dance routines, but for any potential behind-the-scenes drama that adds another chapter to the long and storied history of the Strictly curse.
