‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestants will be given counselling this year.
Bosses of the Ballroom and Latin show have been left with no choice but to offer stars the chance to talk things over with a professional in a bid to break the "curse", which has seen a number of relationships break down over the years, on the very personal programme.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It’s a full-on, intense show that puts strains on people’s relationships.
"They don’t understand what it’s like until it’s a couple of weeks in and it’s too late. There will definitely be chats."
It’s believed producers were encouraged to employ counsellors to help with the stars’ emotional state after Laura Whitmore – who became the first female contestant to join the line-up earlier this month – said she was hoping to find her "future husband" while competing on the show.
She said recently: "I did laugh when they were talking about your dance partner. I was like, ‘Is it dance partner or is it a future husband?’
"Friends who have been on the show told me you make best friends for life. They said you do become close as your dance partner is such a big figure to you and you rely on them so much. So it’s not actually romantic. Then again, the show has made a lot of couples. How many relationships have come out of it? Quite a few."
And the 31-year-old presenter isn’t the only one looking for love as Melvin Odoom is hoping the curse will work in his favour.
He said: "All the dancers are amazing and I’m a single guy. If a hot, good looking professional dancer falls in love with me, I can’t stop that from happening. You can’t hold back love. Who am I to stand in the way of love? I’m definitely going to enjoy the experience."
Meanwhile, bosses are slowly but surely releasing the official line-up for this year’s series ahead of its return next month.
Strictly Come Dancing stars to be given counselling
