Exposing the BBC Strictly Come Dancing Phenomenon: Examining the Dance Floor Drama, Romances, and Relationships

The Fascinating Tale of the ‘Curse’ and BBC Strictly Come DancingIf you’ve been a fan of Strictly Come Dancing since the show’s launch in 2004, you’re probably well-versed in the infamous “Strictly Curse” that has entwined itself around the lives of many participants. Let’s look back at the people and couples ensnared in the alluring web of the so-called curse as the competition heats up this year.

Camilla Dallerup and Brendan Cole: Sparks Drama in Series One

We start with series one, in which reporter Natasha Kaplinsky and New Zealander Brendan Cole won the Glitterball Trophy in 2004. Brendan’s engagement to fellow Strictly Pro Camilla Dallerup fell through, despite the success of their partnership. Later on, Camilla alluded to the show’s influence on their chemistry. Happily married now, Brendan dismissed the past, saying, “It was a long time ago.”

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace: A Professional Dance and a Personal Divide

Italian professionals Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, who have been together since 1999, joined Strictly in 2006. When Flavia paired with Matt Di Angelo, star of EastEnders, in 2007, it was a turning moment. The romance between Vincent and Flavia ended because of their connection both on and off stage. But in 2013, Flavia fell in love once more, this time with Jimi Mistry from Corrie, and they are still blissfully married today.

Jo-Emma Larvin and Joe Calzaghe: Beauty, Breakup, and Boxing

When boxer Joe Calzaghe was matched with Russian beauty Kristina Rihanoff in 2009, he and his girlfriend, Jo-Emma Larvin, became victims of the curse. Joe and Jo-Emma parted ways at the end of the series, and Joe and Kristina started a new relationship. However, their romance only lasted for four years, partly due to Kristina’s insistence that Joe not feel comfortable with her dancing with other guys.

Abby Blayney and Ben Cohen: Reality, Romance, and Rugby

Pro rugby union player Ben Cohen, who was married to Abby Blayney for eleven years, sparked rumours in 2013 when he was matched with Kristina. After two years, Kristina declared their love for one another, calling the curse “b******s.” They welcomed their first daughter in 2017. Kristina defended their relationship, pointing out that Strictly merely puts life on display and that life happens everywhere.

Jamie Gilbert and Rachel Riley: Counting Down to Change

The 2013 voyage of Countdown actress Rachel Riley with partner Pasha Kovalev signalled a change in her marriage to Jamie Gilbert. A year later, Rachel and Pasha made their romance public, despite their denials. After nearly ten years together, they are blissfully married with two daughters, dispelling the myth of a strict curse while still admitting that it can accentuate already-existing rifts.

Sean Ward and Georgia May Foote: Soap Opera, both on and off the dance floor

Actress Georgia May Foote of Coronation Street ended her relationship with co-star Sean Ward in 2015 when she partnered with Giovanni Pernice. Schedule conflicts were the cause of Georgia and Giovanni’s brief romance. In addition to lighting up dance floors, the Strictly spotlight throws shade on interpersonal connections.

Dance collaborations and divorce parties between Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer

Professional dancers Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton joined Strictly in 2013 and got married two years later. Following Kevin’s partnership with Louise Redknapp, their union came to an end. Louise’s divorce demonstrated the impact Strictly had on her life, despite her protests. Her marriage’s flaws were reflected in the exhibition, which acted as a mirror.

Sam Tucknott and Stacey Dooley: From Precise Business to Emotional Joy

When Stacey Dooley was matched with Kevin a year after Kevin and Karen’s divorce, her long-term partner Sam Tucknott ended their relationship. After five years, Stacey and Kevin break the curse by having their first child in January 2023.

Anthony Quinlan and Dianne Buswell: Romance on the Dance Floor

Australian dancer Dianne Buswell’s relationship with actor Anthony Quinlan ended in 2018 as a result of her Strictly journey with YouTuber Joe Sugg. Dianne and Joe’s relationship has lasted, proving that love can bloom even in the middle of dramatic dance floor scenes.

Neil and Katya Jones: The Divergence of a Dancing Duo

Neil and Katya Jones, the husband and wife dancers on Strictly, split up in 2019 amid Katya’s contentious kiss with Seann Walsh. In a joint statement, they admitted that their relationship had changed, but they also highlighted their ongoing friendship. The incident illustrated the difficulties of juggling personal and professional lives, echoing the breakup of the Cliftons.

Olympic Drama: Adam Peaty and Eirianedd Munro

A new chapter in the Strictly story was introduced in 2021 with the relationship between Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and Katya. Amid the tension of a live performance, rumours concerning Adam and Katya circulated. Adam declared his split from Eirianedd less than a year later, stressing the value of giving their son a healthy home environment as a first priority.

In the dynamic realm of strictly come dancing, where love and performance collide, bonds are put to the test, and the dance floor serves as a platform for both successes and failures. After all the glitz and glamour fades, one thing is for sure: The Strictly Curse will always captivate audiences.