TWO TO TANGO
Strictly’s Jamie Borthwick opens up on show ‘curse’ as fans spot ‘sizzling chemistry’ between star and pro dance partner
STRICTLY’S Jamie Borthwick has shut down any potential speculation he could be this year’s ‘curse’ culprit despite ‘sizzling’ chemistry with his pro partner.
The EastEnders star is set to hit the dancefloor with Michelle Tsiakkas tomorrow night, performing a Viennese Waltz to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
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Being matched last week on the pre-recorded launch show, Jamie and Michelle clearly got on like a house on fire, trying to find a nickname for their pairing as they spoke with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
However, with Michelle happily in a relationship with another dancer, Simone Arena, Jamie has no intention of pursuing anything romantic with his pro partner – in fact seeing her more like a sibling.
He told : “The idea of that whole Strictly curse, well it’s definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister.
“Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection. But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She’s looking after me, she’s mothering me.”
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Jamie added that he found Simone “his icon” and has been looking up his dances in order to get inspiration.
“Her boyfriend doesn’t know it yet because we’ve never met, but he’s my rock already,” he joked.
Jamie and Michelle are already being considered favourites for the glitterball this season, with the actor’s previous appearance winning the show’s Christmas special last year paving the way for them to go far.
However, Jamie admits that the full series feels like “a totally different ballgame” and feels more intense, admitting he felt “broken” from days of strenuous rehearsals.
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He also believes he only scored a perfect 40 on the Christmas show as a feelgood festive gesture.
“The reality of doing the main show has hit me like a ton of bricks,” he said.
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“I’m going to bed counting steps, it’s always on my brain.”
This year's cast will take to the floor tomorrow night to give viewers a first look at their dancing ability.
In the show's 20th year, Strictly has a lot riding on its shoulders after a year of scandal and hardship.
No one will go home this week, with the first elimination taking place in week two.
Strictly 2024 pairings
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
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