AJ Pritchard revealed what he really thinks about the infamous Strictly Come Dancing curse following this year’s kiss scandal.
BBC professional Katya Jones, 29, and her dance partner Seann Walsh, 32, made headlines in October when they were photographed smooching outside a London pub, despite both being in a relationship.
In the past, 24-year-old AJ has been linked to a number of contestants, including The Saturdays singer Mollie King.
Talking about the Strictly curse, the English dancer said: “When it comes to it I don’t even think about it.
“Honestly, all I think about is doing my job and creating the routine and really having the time of my life.”
However, he admitted he does read stories about the show, with him adding: “Sometimes I do read it when a friend passes me their phone to show me though.”
He told The Daily Star: ”They will be like, ‘Hey AJ have you seen this?’ and I’ll reply, ‘No I haven’t read it but I will have a cheeky read of it now’.”
Making light of the drama surrounding the BBC contest, he continued: “It always does give me a little giggle for sure.”
This weekend, the ballroom star will compete in the Strictly semi-finals with celebrity partner Lauren Steadman.
The pair are set to perform both the Tango and Samba for a chance to win a place in this year’s grand final.
Last weekend, they found themselves at bottom of the leaderboard, despite wowing the judges with their classic Waltz inspired by South Pacific for Musicals Week.
They scored 35 points, with Bruno Tonioli, 63, calling it “return to form”. While Craig Revel Horwood, 53, enthused: “Ballroom really is your strength.”
Yet Charles Venn and his professional partner Karen Clifton had to leave the show after landing in the dance-off against Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev.
In his emotional goodbye, Charles, 45, said: “I have to pay homage to this woman here, because Karen Clifton turned me into a promising dancer.
“This woman has been by my side, she’s supported me, she’s been strict, she’s been solid, she’s been caring, loving, sensitive, intuitive, and I’m adamant that without her, I wouldn’t have got to this level.”
Taking to Instagram after their exit, Karen wrote: “I am thoroughly grateful for the experience I had this series on @bbcstrictly with you @charlesvenn.
“Thank you for being the most hardworking, humble human being and just an absolute pleasure to work with.”
The Venezuelan-born star also gave her 151,000 followers an insight into her relationship with Charles when she shared a snap of them dancing together.
“I will always say the following,” she penned. “Thank you for respecting me as a woman, friend and a teacher.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday on BBC One at 6.45pm.