Sex and relationship expert Dr Pam Spurr reveals why stars keep falling victim to the famous Strictly curse
Our sex and relationship columnist Dr Pam Spurr regularly brings you must-know info for the bedroom and beyond. Follow Dr Pam on Twitter
Was I surprised to read the Sun Showbiz report that Daisy Lowe and her boyfriend have fallen victim to the Strictly curse? Not at all.
As a psychologist and behaviour expert, I know that Strictly has the perfect recipe for relationship breakdown.
By its very nature, the massively popular show contains four "factors of lust": the intense preparation between dancers and celebrities, the heightened physicality, the sizzling costumes, plus the sensual —and sometimes outright sexy — music.
If there are already problems brewing at home, these’ll slink in like a tango. They’re a kiss of death for relationships.
Lust Factor No1: The intensity between the dancer-celebrity pairs
There’s hardly anything more demanding for television personalities then preparing to pull off a great dance on Strictly. Many have described it as incredibly intense.
Psychologically, they must dig deep. And they do so with their professional dance partner. It’s a powerful feeling, you’re in it together.
Lust Factor No2: The impact of heightened physical touch
Putting Ed Balls — the housewives’ favourite — aside, the dance routines often have riveting sensuality. The physicality is staggering. The couples must get to know each other’s bodies… intimately.
Such touching increases oxytocin production. This is the bonding hormone usually bonding romantic partners together. As Strictly couples "touch" their way around the dance floor, they create great waves of oxytocin.
Without even realising it, they bond at this deep emotional level.
Strictly contestants offered relationship counselling in attempt to ward off show's dreaded curse
Lust Factor No3: The costumes shout 'sex'
Let’s be honest, the costumes are all about sexiness. When getting up close and personal at rehearsals, between dances, and after the excitement of the show, they highlight each contestant's physical attributes.
The scorching hot designs showcase their breasts, waistlines, hips, bottoms and legs. Enough to make any red-blooded dance partner sit up and notice.
Lust Factor No4: The pulsating music
The saying, if music be the food of love play on, didn’t come into being for no reason! From pulsating salsas to dramatic tangos, music is written for lovers.
Even when contestants are doing a fun jive, it still sets pulses racing. When you’re intensely physical with each other, wearing stunning outfits, and have that music making your blood pump, attraction — at some level — is almost guaranteed.
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And the extra factor...
On top of these four factors of lust, we shouldn’t forget the personalities involved.
Many celebrities have a high need for attention. They climb to the top of the celebrity tree, driven by a desire for adoration.
So when they get their dance partner’s full attention it can satisfy that deep inner need.
It’s hardly surprising when they get home after a long day of intimate rehearsals, there’s nothing left for their actual partner.
They’ve had all that delicious attention during the day from their dance partner.
Add the sheer competitiveness each Strictly couple must feel — they’re in it together, driven to win together — it can undermine what a celebrity might feel for their real partner.
With their real partner, they have mundane day-to-day stresses and strains. But it’s excitement to the strains of music with their dance partner.
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