Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite ’s partner of 13 years has revealed that he has no worries about the show's infamous curse on couples.
Former Great British Bake Off winner John is currently competing on the BBC ballroom dance series, as one half of the show's first ever all-male partnership.
Taking to the dance floor with Strictly professional Johannes Radebe, the TV personality received a standing ovation after making his debut on the show last month.
The 33-year-old made history with the South African dancer and choreographer as the first same-sex male couple to appear in the competition, after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones danced together in the last series.
Over the years, Strictly Come Dancing has seen many relationships failing to what is dubbed as the 'Strictly curse' - with many celebrity contestants finding love with their dance partners.
Paul Atkins, John's partner of 13 years, isn't too concerned with the show's record of rocking seemingly strong romances.
Appearing on Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4, Paul joined the culinary star during one of his regular appearances as the show's resident chef.
As host Steph McGovern quizzed the pair on all things Strictly, Paul revealed he wasn't too concerned about the 'curse'.
Speaking on the show, Paul said: “If you could see him at the end of the day after a full day’s rehearsing, he can barely walk so there’s no room for anything else. He crawls through the door at the end of the day.”
Strictly star John then went on to give Channel 4 viewers a bit of gossip ahead of the next show - revealing that he and Johannes will be dancing a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Paso Doble this Saturday for Movie Week.
“I love it," the 32-year-old baker said of the upcoming routine.
"I think it might be my favourite dance yet. I’m going to be a pirate. Hopefully it’s going to be a very masculine affair.”
The amateur dancer went on to admit that he's been making some demands to the wardrobe department working on the hit primetime show.
“I’ve asked for thigh-high boots but they’re going to be give me knee-high boots because I’ve got to bend… I’ve asked for a sequin parrot, but I don’t think I’ll get that," the star joked while appearing on the Channel 4 show.
Prior to the live Strictly Come Dancing shows beginning, John spoke of his honour at being part of the show's first male same-sex coupling.
During a chat with his Instagram followers last month, the star replied to one fan asking 'how excited' he was to be taking to the dance floor with a male dancer.
In his reply, John spoke of his hope to inspire future generations watching the BBC show.
"I'm truly honoured," he began in his reply.
"I hope this kind of representation will inspire the next generation to live their true selves without shame or fear or judgement and/or persecution..."
He also added: "I hope it also has a knock-on effect for more homophobic nations to wake up and make steps forward."
Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays at 12.30pm on Channel 4
