A former Strictly Come Dancing contestant has admitted to “falling in love” with his professional partner, which led to him breaking up with his fiance.
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe captivated television audiences in 2021, becoming the first same-sex couple to compete in the BBC show.
The pair went the distance, before finishing as runners-up to winners Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
READ MORE: Bobby Brazier issued stern warning by famous dad ahead of Strictly Come Dancing debut
Now, Great British Bake Off winner John has revealed his 15-year relationship with Paul Atkins was put on hold allowing the pair to “spend time apart” once the show had concluded.
“I fell in love with him [Johannes],” John told the Mirror. “I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there. We had such similar stories growing up; the homophobia, the bullying, coming out, coming to terms with our sexuality, as any queer kid would.”
Despite confessing to “still loving” Johannes, John is relieved he was able to patch things up with Paul, to whom he later became engaged.
“I look at Paul and what he’s put up with over the years and how he’s nurtured me and stood by me, and who would throw that away? I couldn’t,” he explained.
(Image: Guy Levy/BBC)
Adding that he loves his fiancé “to bits”, John, who remains in touch with Johannes said he would be willing to sever all ties with the dancer should the situation ever become “tricky” for Paul.
It appears to be a lucky escape from the so-called “Strictly Curse”, which has seemingly resulted in the break-up of many couples since the show first hit screens in 2004.
Professional Brendan Cole was the first to fall foul of it, splitting from fiancée Camilla Dallerup after he allegedly got close to partner Natasha Kaplinsky.
(Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC)
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Countdown host Rachel Riley appeared alongside professional Pasha Kovalev in 2013, meanwhile, and during her time on the show her relationship with husband Jamie Gilbert fizzled out. The pair are now happily married with two daughters.
The same year saw contestant Ben Cohen split from wife Abby Blayney after 11 years together before hooking up with his pro partner Kristina Rihanoff. They welcomed their first child four years later.
And another break-up was that of Stacey Dooley and her long-term boyfriend, Sam Tucknott. Sam accused Stacey of having an affair with her dance partner Kevin Clifton during the show, before they later split. Stacey and Kevin soon became official and they now have a child together.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
