Strictly ‘curse’ will be killed off for good after major change to show following bullying scandal

HAVING chaperones in every rehearsal will see the end of the Curse of Strictly, insiders say.

Previous series have seen a string of celebrities and their professional dance partners develop sensational romances during their long hours practising together in private studios.

They have included comedian Seann Walsh and Katya Jones, Countdown’s Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev and presenter Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

The BBC is introducing chaperones after a string of bullying allegations against pro dancers.

But the quality of dances is also likely to be impacted as the need for chaperones at all times means couples may not be able to rehearse for as long or as often.

Last year’s winners, former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and her Italian pro partner Vito Coppola, delivered a routine so technically brilliant it couldn’t have been done 20 years ago when people practised less.

Commenting on this last year, Craig Revel Horwood said: “I was thinking back to series one. Imagine Natasha Kaplinksy doing that! How far this programme has come.”

An insider said: “It’s become something of a nightmare.

“Not just because of hiring up to 30 chaperones and two welfare producers, but also the fact it could impact two of the show’s biggest draws — the dancing and the steamy backstage romances.

“It’s impossible to see how it cannot suck some of the life out of the show.”

The BBC did not comment.