Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley has shut down relationship ‘curse’ claims surrounding Strictly Come Dancing because “it isn’t real”.
Throughout the 20-year run of the BBC One dance competition, the TV show has been linked to the dreaded relationship ‘curse’ which looms over contestants and their professional dance partners.
The so-called curse has made headlines over the years as the newly matched dancing duos inevitably grow closer while they put hours of training into the series.
READ MORE: Strictly’s Dianne Buswell hits back after Craig Revel-Horwood’s performance dig
As the final eight couples prepare to dance their hearts out at the highly-anticipated Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the soap star – who competed on the reality show back in 2012 – has lifted the lid on the cruel TV curse.
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
The Mandy Dingle actress competed on the hugely popular ballroom contest with her professional dance partner Robin Windsor who stormed their way to the semi-finals.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star, the 46-year-old was quick to shut down claims that the infamous ‘curse’ is real.
She said: “I don’t really get it if I’m honest. I can’t bear calling it the Strictly ‘curse’ because I don’t think there is one.
“I think if you throw yourself into a huge job – whether it’s a play or a big sporting championship – it can show the dents in your vase of your relationship.”
(Image: BBC)
The actress went on to explain that one of the reasons the celebrities find love on the show is because of how fabulous they feel in the glamorous costumes on stage.
Lisa went on: “What happens sometimes when people throw themselves into Strictly and cover themselves in sequins is you start feeling fabulous about yourself – because that is what the show does to you.
“Who doesn’t want to be covered in glitter every weekend and have gorgeous glam squads wherever you go?” she joked.
(Image: BBC)
Another reason why contestants build such a bond with their ballroom dancers is due to the amount of time they spend together working in the training studios and away from their families at home.
The soap star added: “I think it just opens up the dents in their own relationship not that they’re actually wanting to go and do anything.
“But it’s because you’re away from home so much, you’re training 13-hour days sometimes and then they do It Takes Two and all that.”
It comes as the actress promotes Sue Ryder’s new campaign, The Empty Chair, which promotes to support those in their lives who have lost loved ones this Christmas.
(Image: promo)
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Speaking of the impact the campaign has had on herself and her family, she said: “I always say that mum was the oxygen in the room.
“Mum made me look timid and that’s not an exaggeration. Mum loved the colour yellow and whenever I see it, I think of her and feel her with me.
“Mum’s empty chair is felt by everyone who knew her, not just me. She is always missed at special occasions and celebrations, because she was the life and soul of every party.”
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
