Strictly Come Dancing star Ugo Monye has announced that he and his wife Lucy have separated. The news was revealed only days before the beginning of the latest season of the BBC One show.
Although the Strictly 2021 contestants haven't even taken to the dancefloor yet, it appears that the Strictly curse might have already struck. However, speaking to The Sun, Ugo claims the alleged curse has nothing to do with it.
Opening up about the difficult time Ugo said, "It’s been hard. At times things have seemed a bit overwhelming but it’s been a tough period for us both. In some relationships there is a moment, a ‘thing’, that breaks the couple."
"It can be an exterior influence. It can be anything," he explained. "But with us it was a number of things. We weren’t in a volatile relationship, we never hated each other and there was no third party. Forget the Strictly curse—it’s the Covid curse!"
The couple had been together since they met through a mutual friend back in 2014. Since then they welcomed their two daughters, Phoenix, four, and Ruby, one.
He said, "It’s been a difficult, multi-faceted situation but there is no animosity. We’ve got two incredible young girls who we love so much. So our focus is very much on the kids, protecting and fostering this amazing family unit."
Acknowledging the long road ahead he added, "It will take more work, of course, but Lucy and I are in a good place."
The former England rugby player added, "Though we are separating, we are still very much connected by our kids and we need to do what’s right for them. They came into his world because of a decision we made, so it’s really important we do everything to give them the best life possible."
One thing he's not going to waste his energy on, no matter how much single-shaming there is in this world, is dating. “I’m not thinking about romance," he said.
Sadly, the breakup was announced only weeks after the sad passing of Ugo's father Theo. Theo, who died of prostate cancer, was a huge fan of the show. During this difficult time, Ugo has been channeling his energy into Strictly and he's still raring to go. “We have not started dancing yet but I am already loving it," he said.
"Through all the bad times of late, it’s nice to have this ray of positivity and light — and the chance to wear some sequins! It’s the biggest show on telly, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Ugo added,"Strictly is a proper institution. And it’s almost taken on a greater meaning for me now."
