Is Another Celebrity Affair with a Dancer Under the Strictly Curse?

The latest whispers surrounding the BBC's flagship dance show, Strictly Come Dancing, suggest that a recent couple may have engaged in a secret affair, reigniting discussions about the so-called "Strictly curse" that many believe leads to the breakdown of relationships among participants. This revelation comes amidst a series of controversies involving the BBC, including the recent exit of director-general Tim Davie following a contentious Panorama documentary on Donald Trump.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Recently, insider reports have emerged indicating that one of the celebrity contestants on Strictly Come Dancing had a romantic fling with a professional dancer while still involved in another relationship. This development raises questions about the personal lives of those on the show and the impact it may have on its reputation. The timing of this revelation is particularly challenging for the BBC, as it follows the exit of prominent hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, and comes just weeks after the director-general's controversial departure.

Key takeaways

A celebrity dancer reportedly had an affair with a professional dancer while still in a relationship.
The incident adds to the ongoing narrative of the "Strictly curse," which suggests that the show negatively affects contestants’ personal lives.
Recent controversies surrounding the show have prompted scrutiny of the BBC's handling of such incidents.

Timeline: how we got here

The saga of controversies surrounding Strictly Come Dancing has unfolded over several years, with key events including:

September 2022: Allegations of inappropriate behaviour surface against a professional dancer.
June 2024: Contestant Amanda Abbington accuses dancer Giovanni Pernice of abusive behaviour, leading to a BBC investigation.
October 2023: Reports of a secret affair between a celebrity contestant and a dancer emerge, leading to renewed discussions about the "Strictly curse."

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest revelation involves a secret relationship between a celebrity contestant and a professional dancer, with suspicions arising only after the couple's romantic involvement was disclosed to insiders. The affair allegedly took place while the celebrity was still in a committed relationship.

What was already established

Historically, Strictly Come Dancing has had its fair share of scandals, often linked to the so-called "Strictly curse," where relationships falter amid the pressures of the competition. Previous incidents have included accusations of bullying and inappropriate conduct among cast members, raising concerns about the working environment on the show.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This ongoing drama may affect viewers' perceptions of the show, potentially leading to declining ratings if audiences feel alienated by the controversies. The emergence of a new scandal at a time when the BBC is already facing scrutiny could have broader implications for its reputation as a public broadcaster.

Businesses and jobs

The controversies could impact the employment landscape for those associated with the show. Producers may need to reassess their hiring practices and the culture within the show, which could affect job security for current staff and performers.

Policy and regulation

The BBC's internal policies regarding staff behaviour are likely to be under review in light of these revelations. As more allegations surface, the BBC may need to implement stricter regulations to protect both contestants and staff, ensuring a safe and respectful working environment.

Numbers that matter

5: Number of significant scandals involving Strictly Come Dancing in the last two years.
6: Complaints upheld against Giovanni Pernice for verbal bullying and harassment.
31: Age of Jamie Borthwick, recently fired for using a disabled slur.

Definitions and jargon buster

Strictly curse: A term used to describe the phenomenon where relationships break down among contestants during or after their participation in the show.
BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation, the UK’s public service broadcaster.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect potential fallout from these revelations, including official statements from the BBC and possibly from the individuals involved. The production team may initiate internal reviews to assess the impact and address any ongoing issues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the show approaches its next series, the BBC may need to implement changes to its policies regarding contestant conduct and relationships. Increased transparency regarding the handling of such matters could also be anticipated.

Signals to watch

Statements from the BBC regarding personnel changes or policy updates.
Public response and ratings for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Future allegations or scandals involving cast members, which could lead to further scrutiny.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments regarding the show and its cast.
Engage critically with media reports, considering the potential impact on the individuals involved.

Don’t

Jump to conclusions without verified information.
Dismiss the broader implications of workplace culture and behaviour in entertainment sectors.

Checklist

Monitor updates from the BBC regarding their policies and practices.
Consider the implications of the "Strictly curse" on celebrity culture.
Reflect on personal views of reality television and its impact on relationships.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The details surrounding the alleged affair remain partly speculative, with no official confirmation from the individuals involved. The broader implications for the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing depend on how public perception evolves and the steps the BBC is willing to take to address these issues. It is essential to approach these developments with caution, recognising the complexities of personal relationships and the pressures of public life.

Bottom line

The emergence of yet another scandal surrounding Strictly Come Dancing highlights the challenges faced by the BBC in managing both its reputation and the personal lives of those involved in its productions. As the public awaits further developments, the ongoing conversation about the "Strictly curse" and its implications for relationships in the entertainment industry continues to grow.

FAQs

What is the "Strictly curse"?

The "Strictly curse" refers to the phenomenon where relationships of contestants break down during or after their participation in the show, often linked to the intense environment and close partnerships formed during rehearsals.

What recent allegations have been made against Strictly Come Dancing contestants?

Recent allegations have included accusations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour among professional dancers, leading to investigations by the BBC.

How has the BBC responded to these controversies?

While the BBC has acknowledged the complaints, they have also stated that investigations have not found evidence of physical aggression, although some complaints of verbal abuse have been upheld.