A former Strictly Come Dancing star as admitted that he fell victim to the 'Strictly' curse, when he 'fell in love' with his professional dance partner – whilst already in a relationship.
Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite, 34, appeared on the BBC show in 2021, where he became the first ever contestant to be part of a same-sex dancing couple, when he was partnered with Johannes Radebe, 36.
John has now revealed that he and his partner of 15 years, Paul Atkins, 'spent time apart' following the end of the series after he developed romantic feelings for Johannes.
Speaking to The Times, John said: "I fell in love with him [Johannes]. I can't speak for him – because I'm not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there. We had such similar stories growing up; the homophobia, the bullying, coming out, coming to terms with our sexuality, as any queer kid would."
He then stated: "I still love Johannes. Of course I do."
Following his admission to his longterm partner, Paul, John said that they 'spent time apart', with Paul moving back in with his parents, as John 'sat on the patio, drinking bottle after bottle of sauvignon blanc'.
Despite the setback, John and Paul have managed to move on from that time, and they are now engaged.
"I look at Paul and what he’s put up with over the years and how he’s nurtured me and stood by me, and who would throw that away? I couldn’t," he said.
He's even still in contact with Johannes, but said he would be prepared to 'cut all contact' if Paul was no longer happy with it.
The 'Strictly curse' was coined after a number of dancing couples on the show have fallen in love over the years – sometimes leading to a split with their significant other.
Rugby player Ben Cohen was one of those people, after he fell in love with his dance partner, Kristina Rihanoff when he was on the show in 2013.
When he took part, he was married to his wife, Abby Cohen, with whom he shares two daughters.
He and Kristina are now engaged, and they share a six year old daughter, Mila.
Journalist Stacey Dooley had been in a relationship with Sam Tucknott for five years when she appeared on Strictly in 2018, and ended up winning with her dance partner, Kevin Clifton.
The pair fell in love, with Stacey then splitting from Sam.
She and Kevin are still together, and they welcomed a baby girl named Minnie in January 2023.
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