The glitz, the glamour, the glitter – Strictly Come Dancing has graced our screens for two decades, captivating audiences with its dazzling dance routines and the often-unpredictable chemistry between its celebrity contestants and professional partners. Tonight marks the unveiling of the class of 2025, where a new set of celebrities will discover who will guide them through the waltz, tango, and everything in between. The anticipation is palpable, but as we eagerly await these fresh pairings, it's worth remembering that not all partnerships on Strictly have been a harmonious dance.

While many couples have forged lasting friendships and delivered unforgettable performances, some pairings have been plagued by tension, disagreements, and even outright animosity. It's a reminder that putting two strong personalities under the intense pressure of weekly live performances can sometimes lead to friction. So, before we get swept away by the excitement of the new season, let's take a look back at some of the most infamous Strictly pairings that didn't exactly see eye-to-eye, to put it mildly.

Here's a look at some of the most turbulent and talked-about partnerships in Strictly Come Dancing history, proving that behind the sequins and smiles, there can be a whole lot of drama. These stories serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the journey on Strictly is not always smooth sailing, and sometimes, the most memorable moments happen off the dance floor.

Fiona Phillips and Brendan Cole: A Traumatic Experience

Fiona Phillips, a former GMTV host, participated in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2005. Paired with the notoriously demanding Brendan Cole, her experience was far from the joyous journey many contestants describe. Phillips, by her own account, struggled on the dance floor, and the dynamic between her and Cole quickly soured.

In her memoir, Phillips recounted the harsh criticism and demoralizing behavior she allegedly endured from Cole. She described instances where he would openly criticize her dancing, saying it was "pathetic" and "not good enough." The pressure and negativity took a significant toll on her self-esteem, leaving her feeling constantly on the verge of tears.

Phillips even recalled a moment where she remarked to a cameraman that Cole looked at her "like he's stepped in something." The experience was so negative that she admitted to blocking out much of that time, recalling only the overwhelming sense that it was "incredibly traumatic." The alleged verbal abuse created a toxic environment that made her time on the show miserable.

The experience was so damaging that Phillips openly regretted her decision to participate in Strictly. She felt constantly undermined and humiliated, which completely eroded her confidence. This ultimately made it impossible to improve her dancing or enjoy the show, as she was battling constant anxiety and self-doubt.

Brendan Cole has not publicly responded to Fiona Phillips' specific allegations. He has gained a reputation throughout his Strictly Come Dancing career for being a demanding and outspoken partner. While his methods often yielded impressive results on the dance floor, his no-nonsense approach didn't always sit well with his celebrity partners.

Johnny Ball and Aliona Vilani: Injury and Accusations

Johnny Ball, a beloved TV presenter known for his educational children's programs, took part in the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing. He was initially partnered with Aliona Vilani, who had won the previous series. However, their partnership was short-lived and marred by controversy.

Aliona Vilani left the show early in the series, citing an injury she sustained during rehearsals. Johnny Ball was then paired with Iveta Lukošiūtė. Johnny Ball became the first celebrity to be eliminated from the competition that season. This outcome was just the beginning of the drama.

Years later, in 2017, Johnny Ball launched a scathing attack on both Aliona Vilani and Iveta Lukošiūtė. He claimed they had intentionally sabotaged his chances on the show. He accused Aliona of faking her injury to get out of dancing with him.

Ball further alleged that Aliona's injury conveniently coincided with a pre-arranged weekend with her boyfriend. This insinuated that her departure from the show was not due to a genuine injury but rather a personal commitment.

Regarding Iveta Lukošiūtė, Ball claimed that she devised a dance routine that was far too difficult for him to master. He suggested that this was a deliberate attempt to ensure his early elimination from the competition. He also claimed that Iveta stated her contract ended the day after his elimination, further fueling his suspicion of foul play.

Aliona Vilani vehemently denied Johnny Ball's accusations. She stated that she had instructed her solicitors and was taking legal action in relation to his allegations. She strongly refuted the claim that she faked her injury.

The dispute between Johnny Ball and Aliona Vilani highlights the potential for misunderstandings and conflicting perspectives within the intense environment of Strictly Come Dancing. It demonstrates how easily tensions can escalate and lead to long-lasting resentment, even years after the show has ended.

Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev: A Clash of Personalities

Fern Britton, a well-known television presenter, participated in the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2012. She was partnered with Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known for his intensity and demanding training methods. Their partnership was marked by tension and accusations of mistreatment.

Britton has spoken on several occasions about her negative experience with Chigvintsev. She alleged that he would physically and verbally abuse her during rehearsals, kicking and shoving her when she made mistakes. These accusations painted a picture of a highly unpleasant and demoralizing training environment.

While her run on Strictly wasn't long, it was tough, with Fern previously telling The Times: "He would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me."

Artem Chigvintsev vehemently denied Fern Britton's claims of physical abuse. He stated that he treated Britton with respect and genuine care. He expressed shock and disbelief at the accusations, saying they were the opposite of everything he believed in.

In her book, "The Older I Get, the Better I Get," Britton described how her confidence was immediately shattered by Chigvintsev's harsh training methods. She found it increasingly difficult to gather her self-confidence as the weeks went on, and often cried before even entering the rehearsal room. The constant criticism and pressure created a deeply unhappy experience for her.

The contrasting accounts of Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev illustrate how different people can perceive the same situation in drastically different ways. What one person considers constructive criticism, another might experience as bullying and abuse. It also highlights the importance of clear communication and mutual respect in any working relationship, especially one as intense and demanding as Strictly Come Dancing.

Lynda Bellingham and Darren Bennett: A Lack of Chemistry

Lynda Bellingham, a beloved actress known for her role in the Oxo family commercials, signed up for Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. She was partnered with Darren Bennett, a professional dancer who had previously won the series. However, their partnership was not a success, and they were voted out in the fourth week.

Following Bellingham's tragic death from cancer in 2014, her husband, Michael Pattemore, revealed in a book that she had "hated" her time on Strictly. He attributed this to two main factors: her insecurities about her body image and her perceived lack of chemistry with her partner, Darren Bennett.

Pattemore wrote that Bellingham was constantly worried about her weight and appearance on the show. She felt that certain costumes made her look larger than she was, which further exacerbated her insecurities. This constant self-consciousness detracted from her ability to enjoy the experience and perform to her full potential.

More significantly, Pattemore claimed that Bellingham found Darren Bennett to be "a miserable git" with whom she had no fun. She felt that he was overly serious and focused solely on the technical aspects of the dance, without any room for laughter or lightheartedness. The lack of personal connection made the rehearsals feel like hard work rather than an enjoyable collaboration.

Pattemore suggested that Bellingham would have had a much better experience if she had been paired with a partner who was more lighthearted and fun-loving. The lack of chemistry between Bellingham and Bennett created a strained and unenjoyable atmosphere, ultimately contributing to her negative feelings about her time on Strictly Come Dancing.

Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden: Bullying Allegations

In 2018, Danny John-Jules, best known for his role in the science fiction sitcom "Red Dwarf," was partnered with professional dancer Amy Dowden on Strictly Come Dancing. While the pair produced some impressive routines, their partnership was overshadowed by rumors of behind-the-scenes tension and accusations of bullying.

Reports surfaced in The Sun at the time alleging that John-Jules had been given a final warning by show bosses for "bullying" his partner, Amy Dowden. These reports suggested that John-Jules had been exhibiting aggressive and intimidating behavior towards Dowden, creating a hostile and uncomfortable work environment.

One specific incident that was reported involved John-Jules allegedly shouting at Dowden, telling her, "I'm the star, not you." This statement, if true, suggests a sense of entitlement and a lack of respect for Dowden's role as his professional partner. It also highlights the potential for ego clashes and power imbalances within the intense pressure cooker of Strictly Come Dancing.

When the pair were voted off the show in week eight, John-Jules declined to participate in their exit interview on the spin-off show "It Takes Two," leaving Amy Dowden to face the cameras alone. This absence further fueled speculation about the strained nature of their relationship and suggested that John-Jules was unwilling to publicly address the rumors of their feud.

The allegations of bullying against Danny John-Jules highlight the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful environment on Strictly Come Dancing. It also underscores the responsibility of the show's producers to ensure the well-being of all participants and to address any instances of misconduct promptly and effectively.

As the new season of Strictly Come Dancing dawns, these infamous pairings serve as a stark reminder that the road to the Glitterball trophy is not always paved with sequins and smiles. The pressure, the personalities, and the relentless scrutiny can create volatile situations, proving that even in the most glamorous of settings, drama is never far from the dance floor. Let's hope the class of 2025 find smoother steps and create lasting memories for all the right reasons!