Roman Kemp Says No to Parents Joining Strictly Over Fears of Infamous Show Curse

Roman Kemp has made it clear that he would draw a firm line when it comes to his parents, Martin and Shirlie Kemp, joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing, citing the show’s infamous ‘curse’ as his main concern. During a candid discussion on his podcast FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp, Roman voiced his support for his mother participating in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, but was resolute in his opposition to either parent taking part in Strictly, stating, “You can’t do Strictly, I’d ban you both from doing Strictly, because of the curse.” The so-called ‘Strictly curse’ has become a well-known phenomenon in British pop culture, referring to the strain the show is believed to place on the personal relationships of its celebrity contestants and professional dancers. Over the years, the show has been associated with several high-profile relationship breakdowns and new romances, fueling ongoing public fascination and media scrutiny.
Despite her son’s apprehensions, Shirlie Kemp dismissed the idea that the ‘curse’ could affect her marriage, asserting, “No, I don’t believe in the Strictly curse, not with me and dad.” She added confidently, “I could absolutely ignore that, it wouldn’t affect me.” Martin Kemp, on the other hand, admitted that he would find it difficult to watch his wife dance intimately with another partner, saying, “I would get jealous if I saw you in Strictly, getting swung around by somebody else.” Shirlie, however, took a lighthearted jab at her husband’s dancing abilities, remarking, “Can I just say something? I don’t think dad is a good enough dancer to last that long in Strictly, so that’s why I wouldn’t get jealous.”
The ‘Strictly curse’ has been a recurring theme in the show’s history, with several contestants finding themselves embroiled in controversy or new relationships during and after their time on the program. In 2018, comedian Seann Walsh and his dance partner Katya Jones made headlines after being photographed kissing, despite Seann being in a relationship at the time. In another notable case, Countdown’s Rachel Riley split from her partner and later married her Strictly dance partner Pasha Kovalev after the two competed together in 2013. Strictly host Claudia Winkleman has weighed in on the debate, telling Digital Spy, “I understand, it’s very intense,” and adding, “I don’t believe in the curse, but I think lots of people have come in single and they might have met somebody or had a little romance.” The show’s demanding schedule and close physical proximity between partners are often cited by psychologists as factors that can intensify emotional bonds, sometimes leading to new romantic connections.
As the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, with the next season set to premiere in September, anticipation among fans is running high, especially after Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell’s historic win last season. The show’s enduring popularity and the ongoing speculation about the ‘curse’ continue to fuel public debate and media interest, making Strictly not just a dance competition, but a cultural phenomenon that regularly captures the nation’s attention.