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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Escher Walcott

Adam Peaty’s brother slams rumours Olympian’s split from Eiri was caused by Strictly Come Dancing curse

Adam, Eiri, and baby George

(Picture: Getty Images for The National Lottery)

Adam Peaty’s brother has responded to the rumours that the Olympic star’s split with Eiri Munro was due to the Strictly Come Dancing curse.

Adam, 27, announced his separation with Eiri, 24, in a statement released earlier this week, as he apologised for “letting [her] down”. The pair share a two-year-old son named George.

Speculation rose last year about their relationship being strained as Adam competed in the 2021 series of Strictly with his professional dance partner Katya Jones.

Adam appeared to lean in for a kiss with Katya, 33, at the end of their Argentine tango on the show, of which there was quite the steamy chemistry between the two, viewers pointed out.

The rumours surfacing were later shut down by Adam as he told critics “do better”.

Now, his brother James has come out and defended his brother a year on from his appearance on Strictly, as he discussed the gold-medallist swimmer’s split with Eiri.

“He was in it over a year ago. It has nothing to do with Strictly,” James told the Mail Online.

Several contestants over the years have fallen under the Strictly curse. This refers to when participants on the show, who are in relationships when joining, meet and fall in love with someone else as they compete.

Adam confirmed his split with Eiri, whom he met on dating app Tinder while at university, in an Instagram post, writing: “Eiri and I have decided to go our separate ways.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful three years together, two of those with our gorgeous son George. Our priority has always been to provide the happiest and healthiest home environment for him, and right now that means ending our romantic relationship.’

Adam praised ex partner Eiri as he added: “I could not ask for a greater mother for George and I am so grateful to Eiri for her amazing support over the last three years.

“Eiri and George, I’m sorry for letting you down. My only interest is for the well-being of our family at this difficult time so I ask that our privacy is respected and I won’t be saying anything further.”

Eiri addressed the split afterwards, saying in a statement posted online that the past three years have been “amazing” and is now seeking privacy during this “difficult next chapter”.

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