Strictly Come Dancing‘s Karen Hauer has candidly acknowledged the existence of the show’s notorious ‘curse’, as she hinted at witnessing some behind-the-scenes drama in a new interview.
The seasoned professional, who has graced the BBC dance floor since 2012 with partners including Mark Wright, Jeremy Vine, and Jayde Adams, has managed to steer clear of the so-called curse herself. Despite some sceptics dismissing its reality, Karen concedes that the curse is indeed a tangible phenomenon.
Throughout the years, the curse has ensnared several participants, such as Seann Walsh with Katya Jones and Natasha Kaplinsky with Brendan Cole, among others. Karen has observed certain occurrences backstage but insists on maintaining the privacy of those involved.
“I’ve seen things,” she disclosed in a recent interview. As she gears up for a tour alongside fellow Strictly pro Gorka Marquez, Karen elaborated: “I’m not gonna talk about them, it exists, it’s there. Whoever wants to go and play, that’s there on them. It’s like any other job – it just happens. People are like, ‘Oh but you guys are so sexy and you’re so close up and personal’, and I’m like, listen, I’ve been up and close and personal with a lot of people but I don’t go there because I respect my job and I respect people.”
Adding his perspective, Gorka told OK! Magazine: “No, that happens everywhere. It could happen everywhere. It’s just one of those things. To be honest, I always said, if it happens, it’s because the people are not really happy. So, it doesn’t matter what it is.”
Gorka Marquez, who is set to wed former Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson, affirmed that she never gets apprehensive or jealous when he partners with a female celebrity on Strictly, and stated: “It is a job.”
Amidst recent controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice which includes accusations of “threatening behaviour” from his past partners, all of which he has fiercely denied, both Karen and Gorka remained unaffected.
Karen informed the media outlet: “We’ve all been just so busy with our own tours. He’s on tour as well. So it’s been really hard to even, you know, see one another.”
On Gorka’s exit, she said: “But, you know… he’ll definitely be missed.” While brushing over the drama, Gorkas comment was: “I don’t know anything.”
Addressing the allegations, Giovanni declared: “To my fans and followers, Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false. I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth.”
“As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth. I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support you messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name. With love, Giovanni.”
