The famous ‘Strictly curse’ could finally be nearing its end, with sources claiming the trope could cease to exist after a major rule change by bosses.
For years the BBC show has sparked many an off-screen romance between celebrities and their professional partners, with some even leaving their spouses to pursue these relationships.
After Strictly was embroiled in claims of abusive behaviour by professionals during training, bosses announced that they would be introducing chaperones who would be present at all times while couples practice their routines.
Insiders are now claiming that this new rule could have an impact on the quality of performances, as couples will not be able to rehearse for as long.
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s become something of a nightmare.
The ‘Strictly curse’ could finally be nearing its end, with sources claiming the trope could cease to exist after a major rule change by bosses (Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev pictured)
‘Not just because of hiring up to 30 chaperones and two welfare producers, but also the fact it could impact two of the show’s biggest draws – the dancing and the steamy backstage romances.
‘It’s impossible to see how it cannot suck some of the life out of the show.’
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
Some of the most famous victims of the so-called ‘Strictly curse’ include Rachel Riley, who married her professional partner Pasha Kovalev, after splitting from her then-husband Jamie Gilbert while competing on the show in 2013.
Adam Peaty also split from his partner Eiri Munro after competing on Strictly in 2021.
Seann Walsh also split from his girlfriend Rebecca Humphries after he was pictured kissing his dance partner Katya Jones in 2018. She was married to fellow dancer Neil at the time, and they split the following year.
Stacey Dooley is also dating her dance partner Kevin Clifton, and split from her boyfriend Sam Tucknott weeks after she won Strictly.
Ben Cohen also split from his wife Abby soon after he and his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff competed on the show. The pair are now engaged and share daughter Mila, six.
After Strictly was embroiled in claims of abusive behaviour by professionals, bosses announced that they would be introducing chaperones during training
Seann Walsh also split from his girlfriend Rebecca Humphries after he was pictured kissing his dance partner Katya Jones in 2018
Ben Cohen also split from his wife Abby soon after he and his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff competed on the show
Strictly has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour
Strictly has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was ‘cruel and mean.’ He denies the claims.
It was followed by Graziano Di Prima’s sacking over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers as they work to address the concerns.
Bosses announced that they would be introducing ‘additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.’
A statement from the corporation said: ‘Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.’
The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: ‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.
‘Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.’
It is not just male dancers who are now facing allegations of abusive behaviour. A former dancer has claimed that a currently unnamed female Strictly dancer screamed in his face and berated him off-camera.
The Daily Mirror reports that the household name’s allegations do not include physical abuse.
A source said: ‘The man in question felt very much victimised by the behaviour of his Strictly partner.
‘He alleges that on several occasions she flew into a real fury when he couldn’t get the steps right, and on one occasion screamed full in his face. They rowed every single day.’
