ITV icon details Strictly 'ban' as they confess on-air 'I can't do it'
As the excitement builds for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, speculation is rife about which celebrities will be stepping onto the dance floor.
Last series, the BBC programme broke new ground by featuring comedian Chris McCausland as its first blind contestant, who triumphed in the competition alongside Dianne Buswell.
While the BBC has yet to confirm any participants, rumours are swirling with potential contenders such as Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, Ashley Cain, Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer tipped to be donning their dancing shoes.
Yet, there's one well-known personality who has ruled himself out of the running.
This Morning presenter Ben Shephard has revealed that his wife, Annie, has vetoed his participation due to fears of the infamous 'Strictly curse',reports the Mirror.
The 'curse' is notorious for causing off-screen romances between contestants and their professional dance partners, often leading to relationship woes.
A few years back, during a conversation with Andi Peters on Good Morning Britain, Ben confessed his desire to join the show: "Andi, I would love to do Strictly.
"As you know, I spent three years in university learning to dance, I have a degree in dance - it doesn't make me a good dancer, obviously.
However, he acknowledged his wife's reservations: "But my wife really doesn't want me to do Strictly, I've spoken about it very publicly, but she's not interested in me having an affair."
Ben humorously remarked on his wife's stance: "I think she's being very narrow-minded and it could be a great opportunity, who knows what could happen?
"It would be an amazing experience, I love a bit of spangle and glamour on a Saturday night...
"As things stand though, that's a negotiation that needs to happen between the BBC and my wife. I can get myself into a lot of trouble here."
The notorious 'Strictly Curse' has become a well-known phenomenon, with a number of celebrities ending their relationships after participating in Strictly Come Dancing.
But it's not all about heartbreak; the show has also been the starting point for several romantic connections between stars and their dance partners.
Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley are among the success stories from the show, having developed a romance during their triumphant stint in 2018, echoing the experiences of fellow participants Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell.
Rachel Riley found love with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, while Seann Walsh was at the centre of controversy for his infamous kiss with his married dance partner Katya Jones, which resulted in the end of his relationship with his girlfriend.
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