The Dark Side of Strictly: When the Glitterball Curse Ruins Careers

The Hidden Curse of Strictly Come Dancing

Appearing on Strictly Come Dancing is often seen as a surefire way to boost your career—but sometimes it has the opposite effect. While everyone knows about the show's infamous relationship curse, there's a second, more damaging curse that can leave stars' careers hanging by a thread.

Thomas Skinner's Regret

Former Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner, 34, has been vocal about the barrage of abuse he's faced since signing up for the show. He claims to have lost lifelong friends and faces constant criticism, lamenting on social media: "I wish I never done Strictly, I never fitted the bill for that show let's be honest. It's caused me nothing but agg. Constant abuse."

Jamie Borthwick's Downfall

After starring in EastEnders for 19 years, Jamie Borthwick saw his career tank after appearing on Strictly in 2024. His off-stage behavior proved disastrous when he was caught on camera using a derogatory slur against disabled people to describe Blackpool residents. The footage led to his suspension and eventual firing from the soap, despite issuing a groveling apology.

Wynne Evans' Career Crash

Another casualty of series 21 was opera singer Wynne Evans, who was caught using a sexual slur backstage. The former Radio 2 host was axed from his regular show and has struggled for work since. The singer, known for the Go Compare adverts, later revealed the show's backlash left him suicidal, describing it as "a joke that went too far."

Seann Walsh's Double Curse

Comedian Seann Walsh got hit with both Strictly curses after his drunken kiss with dance partner Katya Jones made headlines. His career nosedived following his ex-girlfriend's explosive takedown, where she labeled him a "toxic gaslighter." Walsh later admitted: "My career was dead, I was over."

Winners Who Lost

Even winners haven't been immune. Joe McFadden, who lifted the Glitterball in 2017, saw his career nosedive afterward. He was killed off Holby City while preparing for the Strictly final and has since focused more on theater than television work.

Career Transformations

Some stars have been forced to completely reinvent themselves. Christopher Parker, who played Spencer Moon in EastEnders, made it to the Strictly final in 2004 but saw his acting work dry up afterward. He eventually retrained as a lawyer and now works as a Senior Consultant at Ignition Law.

Georgia May Foote, who finished as runner-up in 2015, became a self-employed nail technician after her acting work slowed down. She explained: "As a creative person who loves having her nails done, I thought 'why not fill my days making other people feel good?'"

The Most Damaging Cases

Amanda Abbington described 2023 as "the worst year of my life" after her Strictly experience. She launched a complaint against pro partner Giovanni Pernice, accusing him of bullying behavior and subjecting her to "an ongoing litany of being verbally abused, sexual innuendo, and sexual gestures." The resulting probe led to the BBC upholding six of 17 complaints.

Simon Webbe joined Strictly hoping to bring in much-needed cash after declaring bankruptcy with his Blue bandmates. Despite finishing second, he struggled afterward, with his company being declared bankrupt in 2023 with £174,000 of debt. He hasn't had positive things to say about his Strictly experience, calling some co-stars "childish."

These stories reveal that while Strictly Come Dancing can be a career boost for some, for others it becomes a career-ending curse that leaves them regretting ever stepping onto the dance floor.