Pete Wicks has admitted that Strictly Come Dancing “puts a strain on relationships” amidst claims the infamous curse struck again.

The former TOWIE and Celebs Go Dating star appeared on the 22nd season of the BBC show, reaching the semi-finals as he was partnered by Jowita Przystal.

Following speculation of a romance between them, both Pete and Jowita maintained that they were merely friends, with Pete also being in the spotlight over his rumoured relationship with Maura Higgins.

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Despite previous statements, Pete did admit on the Staying Relevant podcast – which he co-hosts alongside Sam Thompson – that the BBC programme can lead to some difficult personal moments, though added that stories of a curse were overblown.

“You do spend so much time with people so, of course, you become incredibly close with someone,” reasoned Pete. “But that could be the same on any show. I think it’s just now this thing that the press do.”

“Do you think it’s bodies pressed up against each other?” asked Sam in response, with Pete dismissing the notion as he replied: “I mean it’s quite intense and whatever else. I don’t think it’s the bodies pressed up against each other.

“I think it’s the experience you only know and go through with that one person. I think it’s more that than it is the bodies pressed up against each other… Obviously, you go through something, there’s a lot of pressure. It’s all-consuming.”

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“Bear in mind you’re there for three and a half months, four months, so if anyone splits up with people during that period, which could happen at any other point of the year, it’s because of Strictly or because they did Strictly.”

After Sam pushed back by saying that separations “happen quite often” during the show, Pete responded: “That’s 15 people every year. It’s a very heavy period which I think [puts a] strain on relationships – I don’t think it’s because of someone.”