Tony Bellew has no plans to strut on the Strictly dancefloor as he's determined to protect his marriage with Rachael Roberts.
Giovanni Pernice's exit from the BBC One program has recently launched a wave of allegations after the professional dancer, 33, was called out for his alleged intense approach to training.
Three celebrities, including Amanda Abbington according to reports, have issued complaints about his behaviour, which the Sicilian has fiercely denied. However, more stars could come forward.
But when The Express asked him if he would ever consider taking part in the dancing competition, Tony categorically refused as he subtly referred to the infamous Strictly curse as his main deterrent.
The rumoured "Strictly curse" refers to the idea that taking part in the dancing competition, as a celebrity or a professional, threatens the status of an off-screen romantic relationship as multiple former contestants have grown close to their respective partners throughout the years.
The former professional boxer made it clear that, despite taking on the I'm A Celebrity jungle last year, he would not attempt the Strictly journey as he told the publication via AceOdds: "No, I don't think Strictly is for me. I'm planning on staying married." Tony Bellew's reluctance may come as no surprise as his romance with wife Rachael has withstood the test of time.
Rachael and Tony first set eyes on one another when they were children and reconnected at the age of 18 years old. The pair waited until 2018 to tie the knot with the Scouse opting for Peckforton Castle in Cheshire as a wedding venue. They share four sons named Carter, Carson, Cobey and Corey.
Rumours have swirled around the line-up of Strictly's upcoming season, due to air on our screens later this year with stars in the likes of Hannah Waddingham, Nicola Peltz, Jill Scott and even Phillip Schofield tipped to take part in the series. But while fans are waiting for updates, and as mentioned, Giovanni Pernice has been thrown at the core of a new scandal.
The choreographer, who has been a member of the cohort of Strictly dancers since 2015, was in talks with the Beeb for a new season before reports he had sensationally quit first made headlines. He has since been the target of a probe around his alleged antics on the set of the program.
While the identities of celebs who have supposedly come forward include Amanda Abbington who joined Strictly last year before leaving five short weeks later. Following her own exit, the Sherlock Holmes actress revealed she'd been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Reports of a backstage clash between her and Giovanni have since emerged. Meanwhile, Giovanni has issued a statement of his own on his Instagram account and escaped the storm by jetting off abroad.
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