BBC Strictly Come Dancing star sparks curse rumours with five-word remark

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-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Tensions rose on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing as jokes about the "Strictly curse" surfaced mere minutes into the live show. Olympian Sam Quek and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin wowed with a stunning foxtrot to The Supremes' hit Where Did Our Love Go, yet Judge Craig Revel-Horwood couldn't help but comment on the evident chemistry between the pairing.

Offering his critique, he stated: "You lost a bit of balance, as you're fully aware, darling. It's 'true'. You're not completely using your feet as well as you could. I know it's week one though, my darling that's what made it at times a little lumpy. But I have to say, you came out here... there was chemistry between you. I can see that happening! And there's much to look forward to, I think, in this couple."

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Colleague Anton Du Beke deemed their performance "immaculate", while Head Judge Shirley Ballas offered encouraging words: "You keep up your posture, you keep up your footwork; I can tell you, you're going to be a force to be reckoned with." The hosts were equally effusive, with Tess Daly praising: "Never performed before! That was brilliant."

Claudia Winkleman then turned the spotlight on Sam's pre-show nerves and probed further about the pair's connection, highlighted by Revel Horwood, asking: "Craig mentioned your chemistry. You're working so hard together. How impressed are you [Nikita]?" Nikita, seemingly overcome with pride, replied: "So impressed," adding playfully, "My glasses are sweating, but I'm so so impressed. She looks gorgeous!"

The curse rumours were clearly taken in good humour, as Sam confirmed that her husband Tom Mairs couldn't attend the live show but would be cheering her on from home. They have two children together, and Sam expressed that timing for her to take part in Strictly couldn't be better, reports the Mirror.

During an appearance on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast, she mentioned: "This is the perfect time for me to do Strictly because of the kids. I love every single minute of having kids but it is tough and you do lose a little bit of yourself. Your priorities change because they are your world, and you have to prioritise work and looking after them ahead of getting glammed up and going out with the girls."

Strictly has returned with a bang in 2024 following an electrifying launch show. Week one will witness the celebrities pair up with their professional dance partners to perform a routine, aiming to secure a favourable position on the leaderboard.

While judges will proffer remarks and the contestants will receive scores, no one faces elimination in the initial week. However, as week two approaches, the stakes will heighten, culminating in the departure of the first celebrity contestant.