Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star says ‘it strikes again’ as he shares truth about ‘curse’

“‘IT STRIKES AGAIN’ 😳 Strictly Come Dancing star finally breaks silence on infamous ‘curse’”

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 professional Julian Caillon has spoken candidly about the show’s notorious so-called “Strictly curse”, addressing long-running speculation that the BBC ballroom competition has a habit of wreaking havoc on contestants’ love lives.

The infamous curse — a term coined by fans and tabloids alike — refers to the belief that the intense closeness, emotional storytelling and physical intimacy of Strictly can put strain on existing relationships, sometimes leading to unexpected romances off the dancefloor.

Over the years, the phenomenon has fuelled endless headlines, even as some Strictly love stories have blossomed into lasting relationships — including Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez, and Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell, who are now expecting their first child.

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Now, Julian — one of Strictly’s newest professional dancers — has shared his own perspective on the controversial topic. The 30-year-old Australian dancer, currently partnered with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, admitted the “curse” has been mentioned behind the scenes this year — though largely in a light-hearted way.

Speaking on the Farmer Will and Jessie podcast, hosted by Will Young and Jessie Wynter, Julian revealed that he and fellow contestant George Clarke have even joked about the rumour online.

Laughing, Julian quipped:

“Yeah, well… it strikes again! Unfortunately, George and I — you know — we’ve gone public.”

However, he was quick to shut down any serious speculation, making it clear that the joke was exactly that — a joke.

“I’ve only been on the show for one year, so I can’t really speak for what’s happened in the past,” Julian explained. “But for me, I’m just here to work, do my thing, focus on the dancing and get Bal to be the best she can be.”

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He continued with refreshing honesty:

“Whether it’s the Strictly curse or anything else, it only becomes a big deal if you let it be one. People like to talk about it — it’s there — but we don’t focus on it at all.”

Julian, who proposed to his long-term partner Sofia Ochoa last year, made it clear where his priorities lie.

“I go home to my loving fiancée every day, and that’s it,” he said simply.

Podcast host Jessie Wynter supported his view, pointing out that dance itself is designed to evoke emotion and romance.

“Dance is performative,” she said. “You’re telling a story. You’re meant to feel those emotions — I think the Strictly curse takes that a bit too far.”

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Julian agreed, adding:

“It’s acting, really. It’s no different from playing a role in a film. But because it’s reality TV and you’re spending a lot of time together, people read into it.”

Despite the rumours, Julian insists his goal is straightforward — to entertain, uplift, and bring joy to viewers at home.

“That’s why we’re here,” he said. “To dance, to tell stories, and to make people smile.”

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Balvinder and Julian have impressed viewers with their performances(Image: BBC)