Strictly's Dani Dyer and Vicky Pattison vow against dreaded show curse ahead of launch

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts tonight with the celebrity and pro dancer pairings revealed for the first time.

But two contestants who say they aren't worried about the so-called 'Strictly Curse' - where celebs fall in love with their dance partners even if they are already married or in relationships - are Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer.

Both shot to fame on reality shows - Vicky, 37, on Geordie Shore and 29-year-old Dani on Love Island, which she won with then boyfriend Jack Fincham only to split months after the show ended.

Dani has since gone on to have a four-year-old son Santi with another ex, Sammy Kimmence, before meeting current partner, West Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen, who she welcomed twins, Summer and Star, with last summer.

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The pair tied the knot just a few months ago in a Bridgerton-style ceremony at luxury The Langley hotel in Buckinghamshire. While Vicky tied the knot with long-term partner Ercan Ramadan at London's Marylebone Town Hall in August 2024.

Speaking to the Daily Mail Weekend magazine, as they graced the cover, Dani said "I'm newlywed for God's sake", when asked for her thoughts on the Strictly curse.

Though she says her new mother-in-law - who she describes as 'a bit of a white witch' - not only predicted she would go on the show this year, but also who her pro dance partner would be. However, viewers will have to wait until tonight to find out who it is.

Vicky is also adamant she'd never fall for the 'curse' when she was asked if she might get the hots for her dance partner. Putting it bluntly, she said: "Have you seen my husband? No offence to the dancers, they're lovely lads, but he's gorgeous and wonderful in every way."

Contestants making history this year are RuPaul's Drag Race UKlegendLa Voix, 45, who is the first drag queen to take part in the show.

While 23-year-old Ellie Goldstein, is the first person with Down's Syndrome to appear on Strictly main show. The model has previously appeared on the cover of British Vogue and other high fashion magazines.

Other celebs taking to the dance floor in a bid to win the coveted Glitterball trophy this year are EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, 46, who is best known for playing Suki Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap.

She will be joined by actress Alex Kingston, 62, known for her roles on shows like Doctor Who and medical drama ER, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, 66, who played Paul Robinson and Good Morning Britain and Lorraine correspondent Ross King, 63.

Sports stars taking part are rugby ace Chris Robshaw, 39, retired footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, former Lioness footballer turned pundit Karen Carney, 38, and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 37, who is known as Nitro on the show.

YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke, 25, has also been signed up. But this year's most controversial contestant so far - former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, 34, who has hit the headlines this week after admitting he cheated on his wife just weeks after their wedding in 2022. Quite how he'll go down with the public we'll have to see...

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