Strictly Come Dancing 2019 judge Craig Revel Horwood, 54, candidly revealed his thoughts about relationships between contestants and pro dancer being formed on the show, which have occurred over the years. The professional dancer highlighted that lots of “loving” relationships have formed on the show and said the term “curse” should be referred to as a “blessing” instead.
The so-called curse is a term used to describe couples who have split or formed after competing in the show.
Last year, pro dancer Katya Jones was spotted kissing her dance partner Seann Walsh, despite the pair being in relationships at the time.
Addressing romances on the show, Craig told Radio Times: “I think it’s a good thing that there isn’t as much talk of the ‘Strictly Curse’, because it did detract from the show last year.
“It was all about that rather than the show being great family entertainment. Besides, I don’t think of it as a curse think of it as a blessing.
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“Is it wrong to fall in love? Is it wrong to find someone attractive? Is it wrong if you’re articulate with someone? I don’t think so, I’d encourage it.”
So far this year, there has been no evidence of dance couples being romantically involved with each other on the show.
However, both David James and Saffron Barker have been quizzed on a potential romance with their dance partners, but have continuously shut down any rumours.
Axed contestant David has continuously denied claims there has been anything more than friend with Nadiya Bychkova, who has a partner away from the show.
Saffron and her dance partner AJ Pritchard, who is dating Abbie Quinnen, have also laughed off any romance claims.
Earlier this year, Youtube star Saffron Barker spoke of her friendship with AJ in an interview with Express.co.uk.
She said: “Honestly, I just look at AJ as such a good friend.
“We got close really quickly, but we have a personality that just bounces off each other and I don’t think we will be anymore than friends. He’s got a girlfriend.”
The social media star went on to praise AJ’s girlfriend Abbie, who he started dating earlier this year.
“Yes I have [met her], she’s lovely,” Saffron added.
Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday at 6.50pm on BBC One.
Read the full feature with Craig Revel Horwood in this week’s Radio Times magazine, out now