Strictly Come Dancing stars 'put themselves on sex bans' as BBC competition heats up

Strictly Come Dancing stars have put themselves on sex bans. (Image: Getty)

Strictly Come Dancing stars have put themselves on sex bans as the BBC competition heats up. The celebrities and their dance partners are hoping to ramp up sexual tension on Saturday night by ruling out romps with their real-life partners.

It comes as competition between the celebrities has increased as the show enters its fifth week.

A show insider said: "There is a real focus on creating sexual energy on stage and there has been a lot of chat about approaching the show as if it is a real athletic event.

"Most sports stars are told not to have sex before a major tournament as it can decrease focus and edge that is needed in delivering a successful performance.

"Lots of the celebs are taking that mindset too. All of the celebs are taking it seriously and want to win."

Strictly 2024 is entering its fifth week. (Image: BBC)

This year’s cast includes Tasha Ghouri, the girlfriend of Love Island co-star Andrew Le Page, Sam Quek, whose husband is property entrepreneur Thomas Mairs, JLS singer JB Gill, married to backing dancer Chloe Tangney, and Shayne Ward, engaged to former Hollyoaks actress Sophie Austin since 2017.

One celeb who hasn't imposed bans on himself is EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick. He previously said: "No booze ban for me. I've never drunk ever in my life and no one loves me, so I can't do a sex ban! No bans for me, just loads of food."

This weekend’s show will see the remaining celebrities take on dances including a Rumba to an Oasis track and a quickstep to Mr Blue Sky, while one pair will perform a Couple’s Choice routine.

12 couples are left following Nick Knowles’ and Luba Mushtuk’s exit on Sunday night. They were the third pair to be eliminated from the competition.

Paul Merson is partnered with Karen Hauer. (Image: BBC)

But some viewers are convinced that football icon Paul Merson is being set up as the show's "laughing stock".

The 56-year-old sports star has had a rocky journey on the dance floor, facing the threat of elimination twice already.

He demonstrated significant progress last weekend with his Quickstep to 'I Won't Dance', successfully steering clear of the dance-off alongside his dance partner Karen Hauer during Sunday's results show.

But there's been a wave of concern among viewers this week as Karen and Paul prepare to perform the Samba to 'Car Wash' by Rose Royce.

Given the nature of the song and dance, a number of fans suspect the show's producers are intentionally framing Paul as the comic relief.

On Reddit, one viewer expressed their frustration: "After giving Paul a serious dance, they're back to giving him a joke song."
This sentiment was mirrored by another who commented: "And back to Paul being made a laughing stock," reports Devon Live.

However, it's not just Paul who's causing a stir among Strictly enthusiasts because of his song selection.

Pete Wicks, alongside his dance partner Jowita Przysta, is set to perform the Rumba to Oasis' hit 'Don't Look Back In Anger', prompting one apprehensive fan to express their concern: "I'm worried for Pete this week is his first slow Latin dance, and he's really exposed. I'm also not keen on the song choice for a Rumba, to be honest."