Entertainment
Strictly 2024 contestant addresses ‘curse’ rumours after fan speculation-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro
He’s already got some cute nickname ideas for his dance partner.
A Strictly Come Dancing star has said he won’t be affected by the ‘curse’ (Picture: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jamie Borthwick has shut down speculation he could be affected by the infamous ‘curse’.
The EastEnders actor, 30, is one of the stars competing on the current season of the long-running BBC series, being paired with professional dancer, Michelle Tsiakkas.
The show kicked off last week, with Jamie and his partner generating attention after testing out cute nicknames for each other.
However, ahead of the first live show this weekend, Jamie has dispelled any rumours of a potential romance.
Jamie, who is single, has insisted they are so much like siblings that ‘nobody has to worry’.
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‘The idea of that whole Strictly curse; well it’s definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister,’ he said.
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been paired with dancer Michelle Tsiakkas (Picture: Ray Burmiston/ BBC/ PA Wire)
‘Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection.
‘But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She’s looking after me, she’s mothering me,’ he added when speaking to The Mirror.
Jamie, who has worked on the BBC soap since he was 11, also referenced Michelle’s partner Simone Arena.
‘Her boyfriend doesn’t know it yet because we’ve never met, but he’s my rock already. I’ve been looking him up, watching him dance on his shows and I’m like, “Mate, you’re my icon”. He’s an absolutely fantastic dancer,’ he shared.
Michelle, 29, also said she thought Jamie and her boyfriend would also have a ‘lovely relationship’.
The pair have become close since meeting recently (Picture: Michelle Tsiakkas/ Instagram)
She added Jamie was like a ‘brother’ and they had already established a ‘lovely connection’.
After winning the 2023 Strictly Christmas Special with a perfect 40 score, Jamie is expected to be one of the front runners.
However, he doesn’t think he has an advantage, saying he’s ‘completely forgotten’ everything he learnt last year.
Jamie also joked he was ‘broken already’ less than two weeks into training.
During the first episode last week, Jamie found himself at the centre of some sassy comments from his sassy contestants.
Michelle is in a relationship with fellow pro dancer Simone Arena (Picture: Cat Morley/ Sopa Images/ Rex/ Shutterstock)
Jamie has played Jay Mitchell since 2006 (Picture: BBC/ Jack Barnes/ Kieron McCarron)
As Tess Daly introduced Jamie, she began: ‘You had a taste of Strictly at Christmas…’
Before she could finish her question, though, Go Compare opera vocalist Wynne Evans coughed: ‘Cheat!’
The rest of the line-up gasped while Claudia Winkleman covered her mouth in shock, comedian Chris McCausland quipping: ‘This man’s a hero!’
Meanwhile former Towie star Pete Wicks also quipped: ‘I’m never gonna be here again, am I? Unless I’m Jamie.’
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow at 7pm on BBC One.
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