Strictly's biggest scandals from co-stars caught kissing to famous rows

Since its first broadcast in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has cemented itself as one of the most iconic British television shows. The sequins, the passion, the emotion - it's the perfect combination for Saturday night television. However, it has had its fair share of scandals over the years. It goes without saying that Strictly has created plenty of drama, from feuds and famous breakups to professional dancers being sacked from the show. More recently, the series has been rocked by a series of controversies in recent months. We have compiled all of the surprise romances, rows, and famous breakups that have also happened on the show, and reminds us why Strictly is the show that keeps on giving.

Arlene Phillips 'ageism row'

Arlene Phillips is known as having been one of the first judges on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, but left the job in 2009 after five years.

She was replaced by Alesha Dixon, who was 35 years her junior. In an interview with The Guardian, Arlene recently revisited her exit and said that it "knocked her confidence".

She said: "I was a grown-up when I did that show, so I resent that the BBC didn't come to me as soon as they had the thought." Arlene maintains that she doesn't know why she was replaced on Strictly.

At the time of her departure, Labour minister Harriet Harman mentioned in parliament that the reason was ageism. The BBC previously denied this, but it continued to be a national topic of interest.

Giovanni Pernice 'bullying row'

Italian professional dancer Giovanni Pernice left the BBC show after his 2023 celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington, complained about his conduct. Amanda made a shock exit just weeks into the competition in 2023 and later accused Giovanni of subjecting her to "vile abuse" during rehearsals.

Giovanni has always denied the claims made against him, and a representative for the TV star claimed that he was "pleased" that he has been cleared of most of the accusations as he continues to star on the Italian version of Strictly.

The broadcaster was reported to have upheld just six of the 17 complaints made against Giovanni.

Famous Strictly romances and breakups

Strictly's intense rehearsals, close physical proximity, and high-pressure environment on the show create the perfect conditions for romantic entanglements-or relationship breakdowns.

Romances formed during Strictly sometimes only became public after the show's conclusion, with the 2009 cohort seeing the highest number of new romances.

Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace met on the show in 2007 and are now married, whilst Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff also hit it off and tied the knot after the show. The pair recently filed for divorce.

Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev also met in 2013 and are now married with two adorable daughters. Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice experienced a passionate romance but were only together for less than a year.

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton announced their relationship after the show, and they are now the proud parents of daughter, Minnie. Max George and Maisie Smith are also in a relationship after having met in 2020, and Tyler West and Molly Rainford formed a connection after meeting on Strictly in 2022.

Katya Jones and Seann Walsh 'kiss scandal'

One of Strictly's most controversial moments was when professional dancer Katya Jones - then married to fellow pro Neil Jones - was snapped kissing her celebrity partner Seann Walsh.

Walsh, who is now in a relationship with Grace Adderley, was then dating Rebecca Humphries. Four years on from competing on Strictly, Seann decided to quit drinking alcohol and appeared on the 22nd series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One next month.