IF only there was a pound for every time Strictly Come Dancing was described by its stars as being “like a family”.
Throughout the BBC show’s 20-year reign, viewers have joined stars on their emotional “journey” from terrified novice to confident competitors.
More often than not, the celebrities form a “forever friendship” with their professional partners after spending hours upon hours rehearsing.
Their tactile behaviour and tearful tributes to each other after a tense dance off has become the norm.
However, as an investigation is launched into pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice‘s behaviour behind the scenes, it calls into question whether the glitzy family-friendly show can escape unscathed.
At least three ex-dance partners made serious complaints about his behaviour.
Giovanni, who strenuously denies the allegations, is determined to clear his name.
However, there is a risk that Strictly risks damaging its reputation meantime.
The TV show has for two decades entertained families on Saturday nights – from youngsters to pensioners and everyone in between.
There are few shows these days that are appropriate for multiple generations.
It has so far managed to maintain its Disney-like image – despite a few brushes with scandal along the way.
The so-called Strictly “curse” has seen celebrities end their relationships after – or even during – the series.
The show has always been keen to distance itself from the alleged affairs and marriage breakdowns.
Although controversially, judge Craig Revel Horwood once said: “I think of it as a blessing, to be honest.
“One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway.
“There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.”
Strictly has managed to paint over the cracks amid any criticism of the “curse”.
Although claims being made about Strictly’s golden-boy could have a more harmful effect now.
The stars contacted a £700-an-hour legal firm to make “numerous serious complaints” about the professional dancer, 33.
Carter-Ruck, which specialises in media law and reputation management, has written at least three separate letters to the Corporation.
The BBC is now “evidence gathering” and is understood to have approached all his past dance partners and asked them to comment.
Only time will tell if there is any evidence of wrongdoing.
It’s fair to say though that allegations – that went unnoticed on-screen – cast doubt on whether all the on-camera smiles are real.
Or could it be more a case of “the show must go on” – no matter how strained relationships are behind the scenes.
Having the show’s dirty laundry aired so publicly means there’s a massive chance the bubble will burst on the prime time entertainment show as dancers and crew take sides.
Now we must wait to see whether the show has questions to answer over the alleged treatment of some of its “family members”.
What causes the Strictly 'curse'?
Relationship counsellor Georgina Sturmer says the very nature of Strictly is the reason why it is the death knell of so many love affairs.
“It isn’t necessarily the case that relationships break down due to Strictly, rather that it highlights when things are not quite right,” says Georgina.
“The demanding nature of competing in the show can put strain on existing problems.
“For example, the long days of training and being away from home mean their partner could feel resentful, frustrated and even jealous, especially when they see their other half having the time of their life on screen while they look after the kids and keep the show on the road.
“The physical nature of their interaction with their ‘co-worker’ will be unlike any other job they have done too. How often are you pressed up against another person for ten hours a day? It’s a very intimate experience, even if nothing romantic occurs.
“Contestants often experience physical changes during the show – stronger, slimmer bodies, a more glamorous look – as well as revealing a new side of themselves. This isn’t always positive for their existing relationship.
“Aside from the ‘curse’, you also see plenty of contestants and dancers who are unattached become couples. I think the show almost gives people ‘permission’ to find love or have an affair, because the public almost ‘want’ and ‘expect’ it.”
