Strictly Come Dancing couples shouldn’t rush into romance, says psychologist

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ couples shouldn’t rush into romance until after the competition is over.
Psychologist Emma Kenny has warned contestants about the so-called ‘Strictly curse’ – where relationships can be heightened between pairs – and told users to wait until the BBC Latin and ballroom show has finished before they get together to put an ease to any heartbreak.
Emma Kenny told RadioTimes.com: "Could you imagine being in a relationship with someone you met on ‘Strictly’ who had an affair with you, and then the next year they’re with another person who’s better looking than you?
"Dancers know this. They live it. They should wait until Strictly has finished, and they should see two months after whether they still have that attraction."
Most recently, positive relationships have developed on the show, with last year’s champions Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton getting together after winning the glitter ball trophy
Psychologist Emma also explained why a strong connection is an inevitable part of the competition, and why stars are likely to couple up.
She added: "It’s throughout our DNA that dancing is something that can be used to attract a mate … Then on top of that you have increase in heart rate, you get more endorphins released when you dance than any other exercise.
"You’re with someone in their intimate space which means you get things like oxytocin release, the cuddle hormone, as well as things like serotonin, which is the neurochemical that makes us happy, and dopamine which feeds into the reward cycle."
Meanwhile, ‘Strictly’ pro Janette Manrara – who married fellow pro Aljaz Skorjanec two years ago after their romance developed during their time on the programme – has previously hit out at the idea of the ‘curse’, insisting people should focus on the positive relationships that come from the experience.
She said: "When we started ‘Strictly’ – seven years ago – we were just dating, then during ‘Strictly’ we got engaged, and then we got married, and now we’re celebrating our second wedding anniversary.
"There’s lots of couples that have come out of ‘Strictly’ that have really thrived and had beautiful relationships. So in my opinion, it’s so much better to focus on the couples having happy relationships and doing well, versus, ‘Ooh, who’s going to cheat.’ "