CURSE OF STRICTLY STRIKES AGAIN
Fans fume as top celebs stay away over split-up fears
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TOP stars are snubbing Strictly in fear of the love “curse” that breaks up couples.
Those who split up include rugby hunk Ben Cohen, who fell for sexy dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.
BBC bosses have struggled to land big stars for the new series of Strictly due to the show’s notorious curse.
Fans have berated bosses over this year’s lack of A-listers.
Little-known comic Seann Walsh, obscure DJ Vick Hope and YouTuber Joe Sugg are in the line-up.
Ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, one of the bigger names to sign up, has admitted she was only included at a late stage.
Ashley, 36, said: “They reached out kind of last minute to be honest.”
And This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh also hinted he joined the billing late on.
Others confirmed for the show are ex cricketer Graeme Swann, TV presenter Stacey Dooley and former Steps singer Faye Tozer.
There have been claims from behind the scenes that big names have been put off by the so-called “Strictly curse”.
Ever since the show began, its sexy dance moves and intense training schedules have been blamed for causing relationship upheavals.
Real
Louise Redknapp, Natasha Kaplinsky, Countdown star Rachel Riley, EastEnders actor Matt Di Angelo and Coronation Street’s Jimi Mistry have all been involved in love life turbulence after appearing on the show.
A source said: “The curse is real. No-one wants to end up in the same boat.”
Fan Sara Smith tweeted: “Is it just me or am I getting old? I have no idea who half the ‘celebrities’ are this year?”
Julie McLean said: “This year’s line-up isn’t exciting me.” And another fan wanted the show to be called “Strictly Scraping the Barrel”.
But a spokesman for the show, which returns next month, dismissed claims they had struggled to get contestants this year.
He said that it was “complete nonsense”.