One of Strictly Come Dancing ‘s most beloved stars has broken his silence on his divorce.
Ian Waite won the hearts of the nation when he starred on the BBC competition in the first five years of its run. Working as a professional dancer from 2004 to 2009, Waite was a firm fan favourite as he waltzed his way around the dancefloor.
The former pro was married to his husband, airplane pilot Drew Merriman for seven years, but recently admitted that the couple had parted ways. Now, breaking his silence for the first time, Ian has revealed that the breakdown in his marriage was not due to the so-called “Strictly curse”.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing hunk returning as pro three years after quitting show
READ MORE: Join the Daily Star Soaps WhatsApp for all the latest spoilers and exclusives
The news was announced earlier this week, with fans rushing to console the dancer during his time of need. However, others were quick to speculate on whether the “curse” – which sees contestants falling for their dance partners – had an effect on the divorce.
(Image: Instagram/dwaite89)
Ian, 53, had no hesitation in hitting back against the rumours that he had fallen in love with someone else. Speaking to the Mirror, Ian admitted that the pair ended things as they realised they were no longer “compatible”.
Releasing a statement, Waite announced: “My split with Drew was nothing whatsoever to do with any so-called Strictly ‘curse’; it was more about us having different outlooks on life and what relationships should be like, which meant we were not compatible. I wish Drew & his new partner all the best for the future.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Drew and Ian officially wed in July 2017, much to the fanfare of his fellow Strictly pros. Amongst the famous faces who attended the event were fan fave Anton du Beke and nasty judge Craig Revel Horwood, as well as his Strictly partner Zoë Ball.
Whilst Ian continues with his life, Drew has seemingly moved on and is now in a relationship with model Jon McMahon, who previously won modelling competitions, including Mr British Isles. A source told the Daily Mail that the despite working on their issues, the pair ultimately decided it was best to separate.
“They are still friends, despite the breakdown of their marriage,” the insider said. Drew has begun to gush over his new beau as he shared a touching tribute to his lover, branding him “the most incredible man”.
(Image: @dwaite89/Instagram)
“I get to be me and do all this with the most incredible man by my side,” Drew penned in an Instagram post. “You are the most incredible person I’ve met, you are there through everything I go through.”
Merriman also hinted at his previous marriage to the Strictly pro, saying they were “some of the most difficult years of my life”, but said that Jon was there to help him get to where he wants to be in life. Both Ian and Drew were revealed to have split earlier in the year – only making the decision to go public earlier this week.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
