The Curse of Strictly Come Dancing has sparked numerous relationship dramas throughout the seasons. Series 1 saw Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole surrounded by affair rumors despite their denials. Series 5 featured the controversial relationship between Flavia Cacace and Matt Di Angelo, which ended in 2010. Series 7 saw Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff part ways due to differing desires for children. Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev from Series 8 also fell victim to the Curse due to visa issues that kept them apart.
Series 11 saw Kristina Rihanoff defend her romance with Ben Cohen following the end of his marriage to wife Abby. Meanwhile, Rachel Riley’s partnership with Pasha Kovalev led to the end of her marriage to Jamie Gilbert. Series 11 also saw Susanna Reid split from her long-term partner Dominic Cotton following her time on the show. Series 12 featured Sunetra Sarker’s marriage split from husband Nick Corfield. Actress Louise Redknapp’s appearance on the show in Series 14 corresponded with the breakdown of her marriage to Jamie Redknapp, with speculation of a connection to her pro partner Kevin Clifton.
Series 14 also saw the breakup of pro dancers Kevin and Karen Clifton after Kevin was rumored to have a romance with Louise. The Curse struck again in Series 16 when Stacey Dooley left her boyfriend Sam Tucknott for Kevin Clifton, prompting controversy and accusations. Series 16/17 featured the scandal of Katya Jones kissing her celeb partner Seann Walsh, leading to a split from husband Neil Jones. Series 18 saw pro dancers Nadiya Bychkova romance Kai following her split from Matija Škarabot, while Max George’s relationship with Stacey Giggs ended, leading to a romance with Maisie Smith.
In Series 19, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty split from his girlfriend Eirianedd Munro after rumors of chemistry with his dance partner Katya Jones. The winner of Series 19, Rose Ayling-Ellis, parted ways with her long-term boyfriend Sam Arnold, sparking speculation of the Curse of Strictly. Throughout the years, the show has been plagued by relationship dramas, with many contestants and pro dancers experiencing the downfall of their relationships as a result of their time on the show. The Curse continues to captivate audiences and create controversy with each new season.
