Strictly's Lewis Cope reportedly splits from girlfriend of eight years

Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope has reportedly ended his eight-year relationship with his girlfriend, becoming the latest participant to fall victim to the show's infamous 'curse.'

The nature of the 'Strictly curse' suggests that romantic relationships often suffer due to the intense proximity and emotional bonds formed between celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners. While the exact reasons for Cope's reported split have not been publicly disclosed, the timing aligns with a pattern observed in previous seasons of the popular BBC show.

This phenomenon has led to numerous breakups, marriages ending, and new relationships forming among contestants and dancers throughout the show's history. Past instances include.

• Series 1: Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole, who split from their respective partners amid rumors of an affair, though Kaplinsky has denied any wrongdoing.
• Series 5: Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace, who began a relationship after Cacace ended her long-term partnership with Vincent Simone.
• Series 7: Joe Calzaghe broke up with his girlfriend of five years shortly after the show began, subsequently starting a relationship with his dance partner, Kristina Rihanoff.
• Series 8: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev coupled up after winning the show, but their relationship eventually ended.
• Series 11: Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff began dating after Cohen's marriage ended, a situation Rihanoff stated began after his separation.
• Series 11: Rachel Riley ended her marriage and began a relationship with her dance partner, Pasha Kovalev, with whom she remains.
• Series 11: Susanna Reid split from her long-term partner after reaching the final, though she maintained the show was not the cause.
• Series 12: Sunetra Sarker announced her marriage split, stating it occurred long before her Strictly appearance.
• Series 12: Caroline Flack broke up with her boyfriend of 18 months after reaching the semi-finals.
• Series 13: Helen George announced her split from her husband after being revealed as a contestant.
• Series 13: Georgia May Foote split from her boyfriend Sean Ward and later entered a relationship with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, which also ended.
• Series 14: Louise and Jamie Redknapp divorced, with speculation linking the split to Louise's appearance on the show.
• Series 14: Professional dancers Kevin and Karen Clifton, who were married, confirmed their romantic split.
• Series 16: Stacey Dooley ended her five-year relationship with Sam Tucknott, later confirming a relationship with dance partner Kevin Clifton.
• Series 16/17: Professional dancers Katya and Neil Jones announced their separation.
• Series 18: Nadiya Bychkova split from her fiancé and began a relationship with fellow professional dancer Kai Widdrington.
• Series 18: Max George began a relationship with co-star Maisie Smith after appearing on the show, leading to accusations from his then-girlfriend Stacey Giggs.
• Series 19: Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty split from his girlfriend Eirianedd Munro after three years.
• Series 19: Winner Rose Ayling-Ellis reportedly split from her long-term boyfriend Sam Arnold.

Cope, who was partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones in the most recent series, is now added to the long list of celebrities whose relationships have been impacted by the show.