Strictly Star Confident "Curse" Won't Affect 10-Year Marriage

JLS singer JB Gill has dismissed any concerns about the so-called "Strictly Come Dancing curse" affecting his marriage as he prepares to take to the dancefloor later this year. The X Factor star, who found fame with the boyband in 2008 alongside Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, and Marvin Humes, joins a promising line-up for the BBC's flagship show celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Other celebrities hoping to lift the glitterball trophy include Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, Towie's Pete Wicks, comedian Chris McCausland, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, singer Shayne Ward, and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.

However, Strictly is notorious for its "curse," with several stars' relationships falling apart while partnered with professional dancers. Notably, Katya Jones and her celebrity partner Seann Walsh were caught sharing a kiss, while the likes of Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, and Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe have all succumbed to the alleged curse.

Despite this history, the 37-year-old Gill maintains that his wife is his biggest supporter and their relationship is strong enough to weather the storm. Gill has been married to backing dancer Chloe Tangney, 34, since 2014, having begun dating in late 2008. The couple share two children: a son, Ace Jeremiah Gill, nine, and a daughter, Chiara Sapphire Gill, five.

In an interview with MailOnline, Gill emphasised the strength of their communication, stating: "We communicate incredibly well and we've always said that's one of the keys to a very successful and strong relationship, let alone marriage. For us, this is not going to change that at all."

He added: "To be honest, I probably have the best wife that you could have, for any contestant doing this show, because she comes from that world. And although she wasn't a ballroom dancer, we both understand what goes into it. We know that it's not easy and it's going to be difficult. She gets it, she's been on tours herself."

Gill revealed that Tangney is excited to offer advice on his Strictly journey, stating: "She can't wait to offer advice, which I'm grateful for since I'm not a trained dancer myself. I'll be able to hear from her and work alongside my pro. She can't wait for the journey to start just like me."

However, the question remains whether the "Strictly curse" will be as potent this year, considering the introduction of chaperones in the training room. Following complaints against Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima – both of whom have since left the show – Strictly bosses have implemented extra measures to protect the well-being of the stars. This includes appointing a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer, alongside additional training for production staff to prevent further scandal.

The new season of Strictly, celebrating its 20th anniversary, promises to be its biggest spectacle yet. Joining Gill in the line-up are Gladiators' Montell Douglas, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans; 80s music icon Toyah Willcox, and BBC Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.

Gill, who has sold over 10 million records with JLS after finishing second to Alexandra Burke on The X Factor, is the second member of the band to compete in Strictly. In 2017, Aston took part in the show's 15th series and was controversially eliminated alongside professional partner Janette Manrara after seven weeks.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.