Brendan Cole reveals truth about Natasha Kaplinsky rumours as he opens up about harsh reality of the 'Strictly Curse'
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Brendan Cole and ex-fiancee Camilla Dallerup famously split after the dancer was paired with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky on the very first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.
While veteran dancer Brendan, who was recently axed from the show after 13 years, was paired with Natasha, his then-fiancee Camilla, who he had been with for eight years, was paired with antiques expert David Dickinson.
It was alleged at the time that Brendan, 41, had a fling with his celeb partner- giving rise to the dreaded 'Strictly Curse'.
The pair denied the affair but Camilla split from Brendan, saying the break-up "was like a mini-death".
(Image: BBC)
(Image: Nicholas Bowman)
Now, finally addressing the long-persistent rumours, Brendan suggested that no affair took place because he was very much single after his relationship with Camilla came to an end not long after the series kicked off.
The New Zealand-born professional told the Daily Mail : "I’ve never talked about what relationship Natasha and I had on the show. What I did learn is that Strictly is not reality. It’s a television show where emotions are very much heightened.
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"It’s a unique situation and a fantastic show to be part of, but when you take it away, life just goes back to normal."
The dancer, who is now married to model Zoe Hobbs, went on: "I didn’t cross any lines with Natasha. I was single. Camilla had ended the relationship very early on in the series so what happened happened after that.
"It was a harrowing time - winning the show as much as my friendship with Natasha. On the other hand it was like, Holy Moses. It can ruin a marriage so easily."
(Image: PA)
(Image: BBC)
Speaking about the 'curse', he admitted everyone who takes part on the show - and their other halves - are very much aware of it, saying jealousy is always heightened because dancers and their partners forge such a close bond and experience a huge journey together.
While addressing past freindships and unsubstantiated reports, Brendan said of wife Zoe, who is pregnant with their second child: "Zoe trusts me but does she like it? No. Does anybody like to see anything gossipy being put out there about their husband even though they understand the industry? No."
(Image: Getty)
(Image: WENN.com)
Brendan and Zoe wed in 2010 and share five-year-old daughter Aurelia together.
Natasha tied the knot with with private equity professional Justin Bower a year after being paired with Brendan on the show. The couple share two children together.