Harry Judd has warned the new 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestants that the show's 'curse' is "no joke".
Harry Judd
The 30-year-old McFly drummer won the Mirrorball trophy in 2011 with his professional dance partner Aliona Vilani and he insists the nature of the relationship that develops between the celebrities and the pros can prove to be a real test for some couples.
In an interview with the Metro newspaper, Harry said: "I survived the curse! It is a thing. Totally. Look how many people end up getting separated or divorced. It's no joke."
He listed England rugby star Ben Cohen, Countdown's Rachel Riley and actress Georgia May Foote, who all saw their relationships end while competing on the show, as proof of the 'curse'.
He added: "If you are put in a room with someone for eight hours a day and dancing that close you can see how it happens. You dance really sexy dances and romantic ones. You go through a lot of emotion together."
Harry moved in with his now-wife Izzy in 2011 just before he took part on the BBC One programme but the 'curse' didn't effect them and they went on to marry and now have eight-month-old daughter Lola together.
The musician has some advice for the partners of this year's contestants, saying: "I would say to the partners of contestants, just be supportive and chilled."
'Strictly Come Dancing' is in its 14th series and will see 15 celebrities, including Will Young, Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford, Daisy Lowe, TV presenter Laura Whitmore, Louise Redknapp and former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, compete for the Mirrorball trophy.
Judge Len Goodman will join Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood on the panel for the last time, following his announcement he is leaving the programme.
Brendan Cole is among those rumoured to be replacing Len on the panel after this series.
On Saturday night (03.09.16) at 6.50pm on BBC One, viewers will find out which professional dancers the celebrities have been paired with.
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