Strictly’s Stacey Dooley splits from boyfriend of three years Sam Tucknott after show’s curse strikes again
STRICTLY champ Stacey Dooley has split from her boyfriend of three years after being struck by the show’s infamous curse.
They are the fourteenth couple to break up after one partner appeared on the BBC One show.
Pals close to Stacey, 32, say winning the last series and the strain of the tour afterwards left her relationship with Sam Tucknott in tatters.
Her close relationship with her professional partner Kevin Clifton also became a source of conflict — though there is no suggestion of any romance between them.
A source said: “Stacey confided in her friends that she was struggling to hold down her romance with Sam because her life has been a whirlwind after Strictly.
“She barely saw him during the month-long tour and has gone straight back into filming documentaries and has been travelling all over the world.
“Their lives have just gone in different directions.
“They have a close circle of friends who hope things might yet work out but it’s not looking likely. It was very emotional and has been tough on them both.”
Their split comes three months after The Sun exclusively revealed how Stacey and personal trainer Sam, 30, had been struggling to cope while she was on tour.
Her close friendship with Kevin, 36, also raised eyebrows among friends and viewers alike.
A source added: “Stacey and Kevin were never anything more than pals but Sam found it quite hard to watch at times.
“There was this attractive, single man spending so much time with his girlfriend. Watching them doing those sensual, sexy routines was tough for him.
“When Stacey left the show he thought things would improve but he’s struggled to keep up with her as she’s so focused on her career at the moment.”
Since finishing the tour, Stacey has filmed a new BBC show, Glow Up, and travelled to America to make a new documentary about arms dealers. She also visited Uganda to make a short film for Comic Relief.
Sam remained in the UK working on his personal training business.
Friends said Sam has virtually moved out of the house the couple share in Brighton and admitted he has not stayed there for over a week.
Approached by The Sun about her split, Stacey said: “I don’t think I’ve got anything to say.”
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk.