The hosts of Strictly Come Dancing have opened up about the 'Strictly curse', so-named after several celebrities split with their partners during or shortly after the series.
Claudia Winkleman revealed her own theory about why break-ups happen so often on the show, explaining to the Daily Mail: "It is very intimate to dance! The celebrity and pro develop a fascinating and incredibly close bond. But I never know anything [about their relationships]. I find out four years later!"
Claudia and Tess opened up about the Strictly curse
The pair also spoke about their friendship backstage, and how they ignore online criticism. "Most women love and support other women. So three people on Twitter – probably men – saying 'I bet they don't like each other' doesn’t bother us," Claudia explained. Tess Daly continued: "Claude and I put the world to rights! Despite our obvious differences, we're similar in lots of ways. Our priority is our families. Of course, our work defines us, and we love other things but, ultimately, family is our world. All my relationships with women are empowering. That support is vital because you don't get it elsewhere."
Louise Redknapp, who is currently competing in the popular BBC dance competition, also joked about the 'curse' and how it wouldn't affect her relationship with her husband, Jamie. Chatting to HELLO!, she said: "We laughed about it. After so many years it'll take more than Strictly and a sparkly leotard to cause problems. Plus, Kevin is married to the hottest dancer on the show!"
The pair also spoke about their friendship
Former contestant Greg Rutherford had something to say about the curse during a visit to This Morning, explaining: "The thing with the Strictly curse is if someone's come in looking for that side of it then it's going to happen. The difference is from my point of view, and Natalie's point of view, I come in from a very happy relationship, with a young boy as well."