Strictly Come Dancing contestant claims the show’s notorious curse could be a BLESSING – but insists it is ‘not in their mindset’ ahead of debut
It’s not long now until Britain’s favourite show is back on our screens with weeks of stellar routines, sparkly outfits and of course the yearly romance rumours.
The show has become known for being the making and breaking of multiple couples, in a phenomenon which has become known as the ‘Strictly curse’.
Yet this year’s Strictly contestant Nikita Kanda has confessed she isn’t at all phased by the infamous curse, even claiming it could come as a blessing.
Over the show’s 20 series the dancefloor has been responsible for over 14 relationship splits as well as many successful love stories, and even some Strictly babies.
Speaking to The Sun on Saturday, the BBC radio DJ was asked if the curse could be a blessing, to which she replied ”Hopefully, yeah!’
Could love be in the air? Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kanda has confessed the show’s infamous curse would be a blessing for her in an interview with The Sun on Saturday
Romance: Speaking to The Sun on Saturday, the BBC radio DJ was asked if the curse could be a blessing, to which she replied ”Hopefully, yeah!’
However the star’s number one priority is of course excelling on the dance floor.
She continued: ‘But that’s not in my mindset because I am so focused on enjoying the show and I want to get stuck into it and learn the dances. I am fully single. I’m just focused on work now — my breakfast show and Strictly.’
Nikita revealed she has been single for around seven years due to her commitments with her breakfast programme on BBC Radio’s Asian Network which sees her alarm waking her up at 4:30am each day.
And the star isn’t stopping radio for Strictly as she explained: ‘I am basically double-shifting, so it is going to be a lot of my time. I am not going to have time to do anything else right now. I am happily single and happy to stay that way.’
The Strictly launch show is set for September 23, and Nikita’s personal trailer was released on Sunday, as the star confessed she is ‘so nervous to dance live on national TV.’
She joked: ‘I am sweating thinking about it!’
A Strictly fan herself, the radio host admitted 2021 champion Rose Ayling-Ellis was her favourite ever Strictly contestant, ‘I think she was absolutely amazing! I loved her journey on Strictly as well.’
Asked what theme week she’s most looking forward to she admitted Grease is her favourite film, ‘so if I could be a little bit like Sandy, leather, big hair, yeah I’d be up for that.’
The star promised to bring ‘the sass, the spice. I’m going to bring a bit of my culture. I’m definitely going to bring that Asian flavour to Strictly this year.’
This year’s line-up: Over the show’s 20 series the dancefloor has been responsible for over 14 relationship splits as well as many successful love stories, and even some Strictly babies
Earlier this week former Strictly contestant HRVY spoke out about the show’s alleged ‘curse’ and insisted it is ‘real’.
The singer who starred in the 2020 series of the hit BBC show with his professional partner Janette Manrara has discussed the famous Strictly curse in an interview with Metro.co.uk on Wednesday.
He said: ‘I know it’s real. I’m not going to say any more than that, but as someone who’s done the show – I’m not saying that I’ve experienced it first hand myself – but I may have seen…It’s definitely a real thing.’
The star suggested it could be the intimacy of dancing with your partner one on one for weeks or the fact that you’re surrounded with the same group of people throughout the whole series that causes connections to form.
He continued: ‘People talk about it and it’s like a bantering thing and I thought the same thing until I did it and then was like, “Wow, yeah”.’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
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