A Strictly Come Dancing star has split from their husband, further fueling speculation over the so-called ‘Strictly curse’.
It has been reported that professional dancer Ian Waite has separated from his husband Drew Merriman seven years after they were married.
The 53-year-old star married the airline pilot in 2017 in a ceremony attended by the BBC hit show’s judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel-Horwood.
A source close to the former couple said they ‘split awhile ago’.
‘They tried to work through their problems but sadly decided it was best to separate. They are still friends despite the breakdown of their marriage,’ the source told the Daily Mail.
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The publication reported that Ian’s ex is now in a relationship with a work colleague, Jon McMahon, who is a former winner of national modelling competitions Mr Liverpool North and Mr British Isles.
Last weekend Drew shared a series of pictures of his new boyfriend with an emotional message to his Instagram page commemorating the end of Pride month.
‘I get to be me and do all this with the most incredible man by my side. It was just a normal day at work until it wasn’t,’ he began.
‘We started talking and everything just seemed to fall into place. You are the most incredible person I’ve met. You are there through everything I go through.
‘We laugh together, we cry together, and I’m so lucky to call you my boyfriend.’
Alluding to the breakdown of his marriage he added: ‘After some of the most difficult years of my life you have made things make sense, and made me know what I want and where I want to be in this world.’
Ian appeared on Strictly for six years, between 2010, being paired with Denise Lewis, Zoe Ball, Mica Paris, Penny Lancaster-Stewart, Jodie Kidd and Jade Johnson.
He appeared in the eighth season of the show in 2010, but didn’t have a partner and instead appeared in the newly formed dance troupe, the Strictly Showdancers.
However he did appear on the Saturday night show again when partnering with Michelle Williams whilst Brendan Cole was unable to do so.
Last year he was cast on Dancing with the Stars Australia, where he was paired with actress Virginia Gay.
He is also currently filming another season of the show, which started airing last week.
Earlier this year Ian posted a video on social media sharing how going to Australia had helped him ‘reset’ and ‘change normal patterns’.
‘Coming out to Australia has been a revelation, to work here and train here for a few months is the complete reset I need. Lots of exciting stuff to announce very soon!’ he wrote.
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Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives for Ian Waite for comment.