After Strictly’s Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse enjoyed TWO late-night outings, sexpert Tracey Cox reveals why physical closeness and body transformations lead so many people to date (or cheat!) on TV talent shows
- Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse were seen on two late-night hotel rendezvous
- Snaps of Glitterball champs together raised fears of the Strictly Curse returning
- FEMAIL look at the past contestants and professionals who’ve dated (or cheated)
- And here, we reveal why so many of the TV talent show couples get together
It’s the phenomenon that’s led to divorces, breakups, plus called off engagements, and it’s feared the dreaded Strictly Come Dancing Curse could be striking again.
Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, 36, and his professional dance partner Oti Mabuse, 29, were seen looking cosy during two late night outings together over the weekend.
The Glitterball champions wouldn’t be the first couple to appear close, with British TV talent shows becoming increasingly notorious for seeing contestants and professionals end up together – either in relationships or affairs.
Dancing on Ice’s Brianne Delcourt and Kevin Kilbane were engaged two months into their romance, and in 2018, Strictly’s Katya Jones was pictured kissing contestant Seann Walsh, leading to the breakdown of her marriage to fellow dancer Neil Jones.
Sex and relationship expert Tracey Cox told Femail that shows such as Strictly breed lust thanks to the physical closeness, the transformed bodies following the gruelling rehearsals, and the amount of time spent together.
Here, FEMAIL reveals who so many couples and cheaters who have met via Strictly and Dancing On Ice.
Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse
Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse are spotted having a 3.30am nightcap together over the weekend in London
Why Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing On Ice breeds lust
Sex and relationship expert Tracey Cox told FEMAIL that TV talent shows breed lust thanks to the physical closeness, the transformed bodies following gruelling rehearsals, and the amount of time spent together.
She says: ‘Even the most confident spouse must feel slightly nervous waving a much-loved partner off to the spangly, sexy land that is Strictly.
It’s not just the string of rumoured and confirmed hot affairs the show’s spawned (Brendan Cole and Natasha Kaplinsky, Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff, and Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace), it’s the nature of the program itself that could spell trouble for contestants in stale relationships.
Here’s why:
Physical closeness: Arms entwined around each other’s waists and necks, strong arms lifting you into the air, prolonged eye contact….Dancing is an intensely physical activity and being physically close to another person sends the production of oxytocin, the ‘cuddle chemical’ through the roof.
Nothing bonds you faster or more efficiently to someone than oxytocin – and the Strictly touching doesn’t stop even when the dancing does.
It’s common to see the cosy twosome with arms around each other or holding hands as the judges deliver their verdicts.
Transformed bodies: Nearly all the contestants undergo drastic body transformations that are visible to all.
Weight loss, toned muscles, better posture: it’s not just self-esteem that soars as a result.
The better we feel we look and the more confident we are of our body, the higher our sex drive.
Egos are fed by everyone saying ‘How fabulous you look darling!”; the poor old partner at home is left feeling even more threatened.
Will this new, glossy, sleek version still want the pudgy, not-so-perfect them?
Fun: The longer you’re in a relationship, the more likely it is to move from ‘fun’ to ‘functional’.
At the start of relationships, we put a lot of effort into making it exciting. Great restaurants, bars, movies, experiences, mini-breaks: it’s not just the great sex that makes us want to stay in the glorious beginning bit. More effort means more enjoyment.
As time goes on, couples switch to doing more functional things together: bringing up kids, chores, paying off the mortgage, DIY.
Being taken on an exhilarating spin around a dance floor vs walking around Waitrose to do the weekly shop. You choose.
Time: Each contestant spends anything from 20 to 50 hours a week practising with their dance partner. The only day off they get is Sundays.
Most couples spend around 20 minutes a day in engaged conversation with their partners. You do the math.
Close proximity and familiarity breed lust – it’s the reason why so many people end up having affairs with workmates.
Repeated exposure to practically any stimulus makes us like it more.
They lifted the glitterball trophy last year following their energetic, fun and sometimes steamy dance routines, and now Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse have been thrown into Strictly curse rumours.
The married former Emmerdale actor, 36, and his married dance partner were spotted having a 3.30am nightcap together over the weekend, before another late-night drinks rendezvous.
In one image, Kelvin was seen with an affectionate hand in the small of Oti’s back as he guided her to the door of the The Soho Sanctum Hotel in London.
However, the 2019 winner is said to be ‘furious’ his ‘honour is being questioned’ and claims he has Uber receipts proving that he didn’t party the night away with his dancer partner, according to the Mirror.
Seann Walsh and Katya Jones
Comedian Seann Walsh and his dancing partner Katya Jones sparked an uproar when they were photographed sharing a kiss together on a night out in 2018
Comedian Seann Walsh and his dancing partner Katya Jones sparked an uproar when they were photographed sharing a kiss together on a night out in 2018.
He had been dating actress Rebecca Humphries, and Katya was married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones, with both couples now having split.
The duo continued to compete on Strictly for a further three weeks, before being eliminated during Halloween.
In August 2019, just before the start of series 17, Neil and Katya announced their split after 11 years of marriage. The break-up came just 10 months after her kiss with Seann.
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton on ITV’s This Morning in December 2018 when coupled on Strictly together
Strictly dancer Kevin Clifton, 37, caused shockwaves in April 2019 when it was revealed that he and former celebrity partner Stacey Dooley were dating.
Broadcaster Stacey, 32, had been in a five-year romance with personal trainer Sam Tucknott at the start of the show, who had reportedly been ‘insanely jealous’ of the pair’s close friendship.
Kevin was previously married to fellow professional dancer Karen Hauer – they split in 2018.
Shortly after Kevin and Stacey’s romance was announced, Sam confronted the dancer in a furious video chat where he branded him a ‘proper rat’. He told Mail On Sunday in an exclusive interview that he felt betrayed by the new couple’s romance.
Documentary star Stacey broke her silence on Twitter soon after, insisting there ‘are two sides to every story’.
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez attend The BRIT Awards held at The O2 Arena on February 20, 2019 in London
It hasn’t all been scandal on Strictly Come Dancing, however, with some single contestants and professionals finding love on the show.
Soap star Gemma Atkinson and dancing professional Gorka Marquez are a perfect example of that, having first met on the 2017 series before dating and welcoming their first baby together last year.
Despite not being partnered together on the BBC programme, the pair soon found love and announced their relationship on Instagram in February 2018, a few months after Strictly wrapped.
Their daughter Mia Louise was born on July 4, 2019.
Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice
In 2018’s series of Strictly, singer Faye Tozer and dancer Giovanni Pernice (pictured together) also set tongues wagging when they were pictured enjoying a low-key lunch together, with the Italian dancer seen to be caressing her face through the window
In 2018’s series of Strictly, singer Faye Tozer and dancer Giovanni Pernice set tongues wagging when they were pictured enjoying a low-key lunch together, with the Italian dancer seen to be caressing her face through the window.
The pair’s close friendship was apparent but any romance was strenuously denied, and Faye’s husband Michael Smith poked fun at the rumours with a playful social media snap of food on his face.
Giovanni later dated Pussycat Dolls’ Ashley Roberts, who appeared on the show at the same time as Faye, for a year before announcing their break-up last month.
Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell
YouTuber Joe Sugg and his professional Strictly partner Dianne Buswell (pictured) were at the centre of endless dating rumours during their stint on the show in 2018
YouTuber Joe Sugg and his professional Strictly partner Dianne Buswell were at the centre of endless dating rumours during their stint on the show in 2018.
The suggestions of romance came shortly after Dianne’s split from Emmerdale star Anthony Quinlan in October that year.
But Joe and Dianne remained coy on the claims in interviews before later confirming they were dating in December 2018.
Almost a year later, in August 2019, the social media star asked his girlfriend to move in with him.
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev
Strictly’s Pasha Kovalev with his wife, TV personality Rachel Riley, on September 26, 2019 in New York City
Countdown star Rachel Riley started dating former Strictly Come Dancing professional Pasha Kovalev when they met and were partnered on the show five years ago in 2013.
They went official a year later after Rachel ended her 16-month marriage to James Gilbert three months into the series. They had met while studying at the University of Oxford.
Pasha and Rachel tied the knot in a Las Vegas ceremony this summer after keeping the ceremony ‘so secret’ that the majority of their friends and family were said to have been unaware of the nuptials.
The numbers whizz, 33, announced in December 2019 that the couple had welcomed their first child, a daughter named Maven Aria Riley Kovaleva.
Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice
British actress Georgia May Foote with her Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice in 2015
British actress Georgia May Foote was in a relationship with her Coronation Street co-star Sean Ward when she took part in the 2015 series of the show.
But cracks began to show when it was reported that Sean was enraged with jealousy over her decision to take part, and even allegedly accompanied her to rehearsals at the beginning of her Strictly journey.
Shortly after she finished runner-up in the final, she and Sean announced their split – with Georgia seen kissing her dance partner Giovanni Pernice during a romantic trip to Disneyland soon after.
However, shortly before rehearsals for the 2016 series began, Georgia and Giovanni called time on their romance after just a year.
Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Kristina Rihanoff and ex rugby star Ben Cohen (pictured) met while performing on the 11th series of Strictly in 2013
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Kristina Rihanoff and ex rugby star Ben Cohen met while performing on the 11th series of Strictly in 2013.
Kristina has since had a young daughter, Mila, two, with Ben, but in June 2019, admitted that marriage is not an immediate plan.
The couple have often been forced to defend their romance, insisting that it began only once Ben’s 11 year marriage to wife Abby had come to an end.
Ben, 37, met Abby in 1995 at the age of 17, and the couple married in 2003 before welcoming their twin daughters in 2008.
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
Unfortunately for Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev (pictured together in 2010) their relationship didn’t manage to go the distance
Unfortunately for Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev their relationship didn’t manage to go the distance.
After winning the show in 2010 the pair hooked up, love quickly blossomed and they moved into a London home together.
However, it’s believed Russian Artem’s visa issues saw him having to spend time apart from Kara for months on end and they eventually decided to call it a day.
Actress Kara welcomed her baby son, Frey with fiancé Marius Jensen in 2018, while Artem has struck up a romance with retired WWE wrestler, Nikki Bella since moving to the US to compete on Dancing With the Stars in 2014.
Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace
Flavia Cacace was in a long-term relationship with her dance partner Vincent Simone when she was partnered with Matt Di Angelo (pictured together) in 2007
Flavia Cacace was in a long-term relationship with her dance partner Vincent Simone when she was partnered with Matt Di Angelo in 2007. He was eight years her junior.
Before long gossip was raging about how Flavia and Matt, then 19, were secretly in love. Shortly after the show finished she called time on her romance with Vincent and went public with Matt.
Their romance ended in 2010, and a few weeks later Flavia admitted she was dating her latest dance partner, actor Jimi Mistry, who she went on to marry.
Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff
Former boxer Joe Calzaghe pictured with Kristina Rihanoff on November 15, 2009 in London
Former boxer Joe Calzaghe split with his girlfriend of five years Jo-Emma Larvin just a week into the show in 2009.
The sportsman began a relationship with Russian dancer Kristina Rihanoff soon afterwards.
The pair enjoyed a four-year romance but parted ways after Joe reportedly asked Kristina not to accept a role dancing in a stage production.
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole
Candid: In an interview with John Bishop, the ballroom dancer, 42, insisted the pair were ‘extremely close’ during their time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004
Strictly hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons even during season one. Viewers were transfixed by the apparent close bond between newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and her hunky partner Brendan Cole.
Although the pair went on to win the show, their success was blighted by affair rumours.
BBC presenter Natasha soon split from long-term partner Mike Barnard while Brendan dumped his fiancée and fellow dancer Camilla Dallerup.
However, Natasha has always denied any wrongdoing, saying: ‘There was chemistry, of course, and I certainly fell in love with dancing, but I did not fall in love with Brendan.’
The confirmed and rumoured romances of Dancing On Ice
Brianne Delcourt and Kevin Kilbane
Brianne Delcourt and Kevin Kilbane seen on Dancing On Ice this year
Former footballer Kevin Kilbane, 43, announced his shock engagement to his Dancing on Ice partner Brianne Delcourt this week, following a whirlwind two month romance.
The 2019 contestants revealed they have already set a wedding date and have picked out their groomsmen and maid of honour.
The couple, who first met in October when they were partnered on the programme, revealed their engagement news on Instagram, sharing a video of the big moment.
Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Matt Evers
Dancing On Ice stars Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Matt Evers (pictured) were forced to deny romance rumours after fans hoped to see the pair couple up in real-life
Dancing On Ice stars Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Matt Evers were forced to deny romance rumours after fans hoped to see the pair couple up in real-life.
The 2019 ice dancing duo confirmed they are nothing more than just good friends as Matt also told The Sun that they both went on dates last month.
Ian and Matt, 43, were the show’s first ever same-sex duo.
Wes Nelson and Vanessa Bauer
James Jordan and Alexandra Schauman, Dancing on Ice 2019 winners, with Wes Nelson and Vanessa Bauer, pictured left to right
Love Island’s Wes Nelson reached the final in 2019 with his Dancing On Ice partner Vanessa Bauer but it came at a price.
The TV personality broke up with his then girlfriend and fellow Love Islander Megan Barton Hanson after just six months together.
Meghan had claimed Wes’ DOI partner Vanessa orchestrated her own break-up with ex Louis Nathaniel in a bid to generate headlines ahead of their skating debut.
David Seaman and Frankie Poultney
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman and Frankie Poultney skating together in March 2014
Former goalkeeper David Seaman and skater Frankie Poultney’s relationship reportedly developed during a Dancing On Ice tour in 2008.
It followed Frankie’s split from her Canadian engineer husband, Andrew, and David’s separation from his second wife, Debbie.
In 2013 the couple revealed they were engaged after former England goalkeeper David proposed over Christmas.
They went on to marry at lavish Dormy House in the Cotswolds, surrounded by friends, family and an array of former colleagues from David’s illustrious footballing career.
Samia and Sylvain Longchambon
Samia and Sylvain Longchambon have been married since August 2016 after meeting while paired together on the 2013 series of Dancing On Ice
Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon fell in love with her ice skater husband Sylvain six years ago when they were partnered together on Dancing On Ice.
They tied the knot in a fairy tale wedding in August 2016, with her daughter Freya, now nine, acting as a bridesmaid while their son Yves, now four, was one of the groomsmen.
Samia previously dated co-star Will Thorp – but ended their two-year relationship in December 2012, shortly after signing up for the show.
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