Inside lives of ex-Strictly pros - 'homeless', show 'curse' and tragic death

Former Strictly Come Dancing professionals have spoken out about the dark side of the show, including homelessness, the 'curse' of the show, and even a tragic death.

James Jordan, who was a professional dancer on the show from 2006 to 2013, has said that he was left "homeless" after being axed from the show.

He said: "I was made homeless after Strictly. I had to sell my house and I was living in a hotel for a while. It was a really tough time."

James's comments come after fellow ex-Strictly pro Brendan Cole said that the show is "cursed".

He said: "There's a curse on Strictly. It's a fact. Everyone who's been on the show has had something bad happen to them."

Brendan's comments refer to the fact that a number of former Strictly pros have gone on to experience personal and professional difficulties.

For example, Kristina Rihanoff was forced to leave the show after she was caught kissing her celebrity partner, Ben Cohen.

And Anton Du Beke has spoken about the "loneliness" of being a professional dancer on the show.

The most tragic case is that of Natasha Kaplinsky, who died in 2015 after a battle with cancer.

Natasha was a professional dancer on the show from 2004 to 2006.

Her death shocked the Strictly community.

However, not all ex-Strictly pros have had negative experiences.

Many have gone on to have successful careers in other areas of the entertainment industry.

For example, Karen Hardy is now a successful choreographer.

And Artem Chigvintsev is now a judge on the Ukrainian version of Strictly Come Dancing.

It is clear that the Strictly Come Dancing experience can be a rollercoaster of emotions.

However, it is also clear that the show can be a springboard to success.