The infamous Strictly ‘curse’ is nothing compared to this brutal trend… and it’s already hit a 2023 star
STRICTLY is well-known for its infamous relationship ‘curse’, with celebrities waltzing off with their dance partners.
Comedian Seann Walsh was caught snogging pro partner Katya Jones in a short-lived fling, rugby star Ben Cohen left his wife of 11 years for dancer Kristina Rihanoff and TV presenter Stacey Dooley dumped her boyfriend for Kevin Clifton.
But some stars face an even worse fate…the Strictly unrequited crush.
The phenomenon often sees them publicly declaring their puppy-eyed adoration for dance partners - only to leave the show solo.
EastEnders star Bobby Brazier caused a stir by claiming he is ‘falling in love’ with Dianne Buswell and viewers accused him of trying to kiss the Aussie at the end of their Argentine Tango at the weekend.
But he’s not the only high-profile celebrity to seemingly develop a crush on one of the dancers. We take a look at the competitors who went all doe-eyed over their pro-partners.
Bobby Brazier
Baby-faced Bobby was blunt about his feelings for Dianne - despite the fact she’s dating YouTuber Joe Sugg.
Bobby, 20, said: “I could speak about Dianne all day… She’s just a diamond - you know what, I’m falling in love with her. She’s just great. I feel very lucky.”
BBC viewers were convinced the actor tried to lean in for a passionate kiss with Dianne after their electric tango last weekend.
But Dianne, 34, is said to have been ‘hit hard’ by the ‘cruel remarks’ about her and Bobby and she and Joe have been keen to put on a united front - sharing pictures of each other on Instagram.
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The pair shrugged off rumours about their close bond after their hot tango.
They both said the dance is meant to be sexy and that their chemistry showed they had performed it correctly.
John Whaite
Great British Bake Off star John admitted he fell in love with dancer Johannes Radebe - despite being engaged to his partner of 14 years.
He told how he fell for the South African-born choreographer during the 2021 series, saying he and long-term love Paul Atkins had to have time apart after the show.
John, 34, said: “Johannes knew that (it) could happen. He had seen it a thousand times with his dance companions over the years.
“When you are physically pressed against another man for ten hours a day, things move emotionally. He was being cautious. Strictly has a magical way of revealing the truth.”
John and Johannes were the first male same-sex couple to star on Strictly and made it to the final to be beaten by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
Hamza Yassin
Strictly champ Hamza was said to have been devastated after dancer partner Jowita Przystal hooked up with Giovanni Pernice.
Hamza, 33, quick-stepped his way into the hearts of viewers and was said to be “besotted” with Jowita.
During last year’s show, he described her as an "angel disguised as a human being".
A source told The Sun: “Hamza and Jowita became very close and at times were quite touchy-feely.
“People would often see them sneak off together. Obviously their closeness helped when it came to them winning the trophy.”
But their romance was never to be after it was revealed Jowita wanted to keep things platonic after the show.
The insider said: “While Jowita thinks the world of him, she held back from anything romantic and kept him slightly at arms length.
“When it was clear she was involved with Giovanni, the reason for that became clear. While Hamza wants her to be happy, he was quietly devastated.”
Tilly Ramsay
Chef Tilly got tongues wagging when she and dance partner Nikita Kuzmin were spotted heading to her London flat together.
X (formerly Twitter) users were convinced Gordon Ramsay’s daughter had a crush on the Ukrainian-Italian choreographer.
Tilly and boyfriend Seth Mack broke up after two years of dating before she went on the show.
To add fuel to the flames, Nikita’s girlfriend deleted a cute Instagram story she had posted calling the pair her-faves.
Tilly, 22, later laughed off claims of a crush in 2021 branding Nikita a ‘big brother’.
An insider said at the time: “Tilly finds the stories really funny. Lovers? She’s been saying he’s more like a brother. Tilly says Nikita is literally the funniest person she’s ever met but there’s nothing at all going on behind the scenes.”
Ranvir Singh
The GMB presenter had recently split from her husband when she was partnered with Giovanni Pernice in 2021.
As the series wore on onlookers claimed she was "besotted"; with the Italian lothario.
A source told the Sun Ranvir was "flirty" and "tactile" with her dance partner adding: "Ranvir and Giovanni seem to be getting closer each week.
"She appears to be absolutely besotted with him, while he is a calming, confident influence. The show has been great for Ranvir's own confidence.
"But some people are concerned that Ranvir could be falling for him outside of the show and he's a known ladykiller. They've been spending hours rehearsing together and the Strictly bubble is very intense."
Rumours of a romance were swiftly shut down by Giovanni when, asked if he would ever date Ranvir, 45, he told : "'No, no, no, no, no. I’m single, absolutely there’s no way. We are very very good friends."
Ellie Simmonds
It seems Nikita is irresistible on and off the dancefloor after Ellie also admitted to fancying him.
Despite being happy with childhood sweetheart Matt Dean at the time, the paralympian told the cameras: “I’ve got a big crush on him. His teeth are really, really nice”
Ellie, 28, who split from Matt last month, credited Nikita, 25, with helping boost her confidence.
After the show, the pair kept in touch and went sky-diving together.
Ellie, who spent seven weeks in last year’s show, said: “I danced in front of nine million people so now I can do anything.”
Nikita recently went Instagram official with new girlfriend, model Lauren Jaine.
Ellie Leach
Rumours are rife that Coronation Street star Ellie is dating dancer Vito Copolla - but she could be headed for a romantic fall if they turn out to be false.
Ellie, 22, and Vito, 31, share a sizzling chemistry on the dance floor and she recently posted an Instagram story calling him “one amazing human being” adding: ‘Love you love you love you’.
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The couple, tipped to win the competition, were put under further scrutiny when former Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington referred to them as ‘the most beautiful couple’
Will they walk off with each other’s hearts as well as the glitter ball? Only time will tell.