Strictly Come Dancing 2018 line up: DJ Vick Hope ‘confirmed’ as first star as big names shy away because of ‘curse’

Stars including Louise Redknapp and Ben Cohen ended their marriages after the show 
First signing? Vick Hope is set to join Strictly Come Dancing
PA
Jennifer Ruby8 August 2018

DJ Vick Hope is reportedly the first celebrity to sign up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing as show producers struggle to attract big-name stars.

The Capital FM DJ might be a rising star but is she is not a household name, and BBC bosses are reportedly still searching for A-list names to sign on the dotted line.

According to reports, well known stars who are married or in relationships are shying away from taking part thanks to the notorious ‘curse of Strictly’.

A number of married celebrities including Louise Redknapp, Ben Cohen and Rachel Riley ended their relationships just months after competing on the show.

Hitting the dancefloor? Vick Hope is set for Stictly
PA

“Strictly has always been a massive draw in the past, but it hasn’t been as easy this year,” a show insider told The Sun.

“They’ve asked loads of top names, but with people like Louise Redknapp and Ben Cohen in mind, many in relationships are saying no.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 - In pictures

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Cohen ended his marriage to Abby Blayney in 2016 and is now in a relationship with his former dance partner Kristina Rihanoff, while Rednapp called time on her two decade-long marriage to Jamie last year.

The source added: “Bosses are obviously hoping to bring in some bigger names, but they need everyone signed by the end of this month.”

Hope, 28, who hosts the Capital FM Breakfast Show, 4Music’s Trending Live and Sky One’s Carnage, is currently single.

Other stars who are rumoured to be taking part this year include Scarlett Moffatt, Maya Jama, Les Dennis and Coleen Rooney.

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