STRICTLY champ Stacey Dooley’s close relationship with dance partner Kevin Clifton was the final trigger for her split from boyfriend Sam Tucknott, friends claim.
The TV presenter, 32, spent five months with Kevin, 36, training for the BBC1 series.
Pals said Stacey’s strong connection with charismatic Kevin caused issues within her relationship with Sam — though there is no suggestion of any romance between the Strictly couple.
A source said: “Before Stacey took part in the show she was resolute that she wouldn’t fall victim to the curse of Strictly and that she and Sam were tight.
“However, he found it tough that she would spend hours and hours dancing in the arms of another man and away from home.
“It definitely didn’t help their relationship, especially towards the end.
“It didn’t help that Stacey and Kevin remained friendly after the series.
“During filming in December Sam had been vocal about her dancing with a single man and was really paranoid that they were going to split because of the show, with rumours he had become insanely jealous — even though she insisted there was nothing for him to worry about.”
The Sun reported on Thursday that Stacey and personal trainer Sam had called it a day after three years.
Sam, 30, insisted he wanted to live a life away from the spotlight. He said: “I’m just a normal f*****g kid who goes to work and does his thing.”
They are the 14th couple to break up after one partner appeared in Strictly.
