BBC Strictly judge sparks curse rumours already as he says 'I can see it happening'

Strictly Come Dancing's Saturday night episode was charged with excitement as judge Craig Revel-Horwood hinted at a potential Strictly curse brewing just moments into the programme.

Sam Quek and her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin delivered an impressive foxtrot to The Supremes' hit "Where Did Our Love Go," but it was their chemistry that caught Craig Revel-Horwood's eye.

He kicked off his critique by remarking: "You lost a bit of balance, as you're fully aware, darling. It's true. You're not completely using your feet as well as you could. I know it's week one though, my darling that's what made it at times a little lumpy."

"But I have to say, you came out here... there was chemistry between you. I can see that happening! And there's much to look forward to, I think, in this couple."

Fellow judge Anton Du Beke praised their performance as "immaculate" while Shirley Ballas offered some advice: "You keep up your posture, you keep up your footwork; I can tell you, you're going to be a force to be reckoned with," reports the Mirror.

Host Tess Daly was thrilled, exclaiming: "Never performed before! That was brilliant."

However, Claudia Winkleman brought up Sam's nerves, saying: "Craig mentioned your chemistry. You're working so hard together. How impressed are you [Nikita]?"

To which the professional dancer replied enthusiastically: "So impressed," adding humorously, "My glasses are sweating, but I'm so so impressed. She looks gorgeous!"

The curse rumours are all in jest, however. Sam divulged that her husband Tom Mairs was unable to attend the live shows but would be cheering her on from the comfort of their home. The couple, parents to two children, find the timing opportune for Sam's stint on Strictly.

During her conversation on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast, she revealed: "This is the perfect time for me to do Strictly because of the kids. I love every single minute of having kids but it is tough and you do lose a little bit of yourself."

She explained how priorities shift upon becoming a parent: "Your priorities change because they are your world, and you have to prioritise work and looking after them ahead of getting glammed up and going out with the girls."

The excitement for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has been set in motion following an enthralling launch show. In week one, the celebrity contestants and their pro partners will debut their first performances in hopes of securing a solid position on the leaderboard, although no one will be sent packing this early stage.

However, as week two approaches, the stakes increase, culminating in the season's first farewell, as one contestant will be eliminated from the competition.