Did the curse of Strictly put Denise’s marriage out of step?
MOST Strictly Come Dancing contestants are worried about the challenge it poses to their fitness.
But it seems they should be more concerned about the effect it might have on their marriage.
When Denise Van Outen, 39, announced her separation from West End star Lee Mead, she became the latest in a series of former contestants whose relationships have collapsed after appearing on the BBC show. Others include newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, dancer Flavia Cacace and former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash.
The TV host and her 32-yearold husband had repeatedly denied they had split up. However, the actress’s agent confirmed their separation over the weekend and she was photographed yesterday without her wedding ring.
Their marriage is said to have suffered because of work commitments. But it has now been suggested that the problems began as early as last September, shortly after Ms Van Outen began training with dance partner James Jordan.
Mr Jordan’s wife Ola, another of Strictly’s professional dancers, was said to be ‘furious’ over their close friendship.
A show source said: ‘James seemed besotted with Denise. He couldn’t hide it. He was like a puppy and it certainly caused Ola to do a war dance.’
Another added: ‘[It] was all a bit too close and chummy. They both had the same sense of humour – very laddish and playful.’