Karen Hauer hints there have been secret victims of the Strictly curse as she gives VERY awkward answer to question about Giovanni Pernice after his shock exit from show
- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com
Karen Hauer has revealed there have been secret victims of the infamous Strictly Come Dancing curse.
The BBC show has long been known for the 'curse' that befalls some contestants who end up dating their dance partner, despite some being already in relationships.
While notable casualties like Seann Walsh kissing Katya Jones despite having a girlfriend at the time have hit the headlines, Katya hinted other flings have gone under the radar.
Speaking to new! magazine, she said of the curse: 'I've seen things. I'm not gonna talk about them. It exists. It's there. Whoever wants to go and play, that's there on them.'
Karen acknowledged the celebrity contestants and their dance partners spend hours 'up close and personal' together during rehearsals but she has never gone 'there' because she respects her job and the people she works with.
Elsewhere during the interview, Karen touched on her colleague Giovanni Pernice leaving Strictly after he was accused of 'threatening and abusive behaviour' while working on the show last year.
Karen Hauer has revealed there have been secret victims of the infamous Strictly Come Dancing curse
The BBC show has long been known for the 'curse' that befalls some contestants who end up having flings with their dance partners including Seann Walsh and Katya Jones
She said: 'We've all just been so busy with our own tours. He's on tour as well. So it's been really tough to kind of even, you know, see one another. But you know, he'll definitely be missed.'
Fellow Strictly star Gorka Marquez who took part in the same interview, added: 'I don't know anything. I try to stay away from that. Strictly is not on. The only thing I know is I am back and I'm excited that we start very soon.'
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 50 was paired with Giovanni but quit the BBC One programme mid-series in 2023 citing 'personal issues'.
It was then revealed she had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following her stint on the show.
Amanda recently claimed that the show left her with PTSD and reportedly demanded footage of their rehearsals together.
Other celebrity contestants such as Laura Whitmore, 39, Ranvir Singh, 46, and an unknown male contestant have also since come forward in making complaints about his behaviour.
While it's been claimed that BBC bosses have banned the cast from discussing the 'bullying row', Shirley Ballas, the show's head judge, has previously spoken out in support of Giovanni saying 'the truth will come out'.
Earlier this month Shirley and fellow judge Anton Du Beke showed their support for Giovanni by teaching at his Ballando dance workshop.
Karen said Giovanni Pernice will 'definitely be missed' when he doesn't return to Strictly this year after being accused of bullying behaviour
The professional dancer is at the centre of a bullying row after claims made of misconduct by his Strictly partner Amanda Abbington (pictured) and two other women
A new dance class with Craig Revel Horwood and Oti Mabuse is yet to go on sale but is set to take place in late September in London
At the event Shirley said it was an 'honour and a privilege' to be at the workshop with Giovanni adding: 'I've known him for 10 years and we're good friends.'
Offering a 'huge thank you' to the Italian professional for having her at his workshop, Shirley continued: 'I will be one person who will be by his side forever. What you see is what you get with him.'
The next event, hosted with Shirley and Anton alongside Giovanni, is already sold out for the end of the month.
A new dance class with Oti Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood is yet to go on sale but is set to take place in late September in London.
Fans were quick to comment on the new announcement with one saying: 'This is fabulous to see the other two judges supporting Gio.'
Another said: 'So happy Giovanni is getting the support from all the Judges.'
Their support comes as Strictly Come Dancing's 20th anniversary special at Buckingham Palace was scrapped this weekend because of the ongoing probe into Mr Pernice's behaviour.
According to The Sun the idea has been quashed, despite talks with the Royal household, due to 'logistical problems' 'diary clashes' and Giovanni Pernice's misconduct probe also a 'factor' in the decision.
