The royal couple have ruled out appearing on the BBC talent show
Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall have confirmed they will “not take the risk” with the Strictly Come Dancing curse, following rumours that the couple could one day appear on the BBC programme.
The couple discussed their mutual passion for sport and dancing, though Mr Tindall firmly ruled out participating in Strictly Come Dancing.
Just say we can’t do the Strictly curse, we are not going on it,” he declared. “We are not taking the risk. We are very happy.”
The “Strictly curse” refers to the phenomenon where romantic relationships have ended or changed due to the close bonds formed with their dance partners.
The term is associated with a history of break-ups, alleged affairs, and on-screen chemistry that leads to romantic entanglements off the dance floor.
A famous example was Seann Walsh and Katya Jones. In 2018, they were photographed kissing while both were in relationships, a scandal that brought the “curse” to public attention again.
Mr Tindall and his wife, Zara, stepped onto the red carpet at Monday evening’s Beauty Awards in London, marking an uncommonly glamorous outing for the typically private couple.
Princess Anne’s daughter, 44, and her former England rugby player husband, 47, attended the glittering ceremony at City Central at the HAC.
Mike and Zara Tindall ‘not taking the risk’ with Strictly curse following rumours | GETTY
During the event, Zara disclosed the Tindalls’ festive arrangements, confirming they’ll spend Christmas at Sandringham with the monarch and other royals.
The couple and their three children – Mia Grace, 11, Lena Elizabeth, seven, and Lucas Philip, four – will participate in the traditional Norfolk gathering.
“We are so lucky, Christmas is always amazing,” Zara commented. “We get to do a lot of fun things, and the place looks amazing. We will see everyone.”
The mother-of-three also verified their plans to attend the Princess of Wales’s traditional festive concert at Westminster Abbey on December 5.
Seann Walsh and Katya Jones pictured in 2018| GETTY
However, it has not yet been confirmed if Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, will attend the “Together at Christmas” carol service.
The sisters have faced a difficult few months over their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his princely title and his Dukedom of York because of his links with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
If they attend the Princess of Wales’s concert and then join the King and Queen at Sandringham for Christmas, it will be seen as a significant show of support for the York sisters, who have had to weather intense public scrutiny.
Zara and Mike admitted that Monday’s star-studded event wasn’t their preferred way to spend an evening together.
Mr Tindall revealed that their ideal romantic night involves far simpler pleasures.
“We are very low key,” he explained. “This wouldn’t be our ideal date night.” He described their perfect evening as “food, telly and a glass of vino”.
The couple, who have been together for 21 years and married for 14, shared their relationship wisdom on the red carpet.
Zara revealed their approach to maintaining a strong partnership. “Nothing runs smoothly ever,” she told the Mail. “You’ve got to accept that in life. It’s a work-in-progress [but] you’ve got to have fun.”
Mr Tindall offered his own humorous perspective on their enduring romance, which began at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
He joked that he’d learnt Zara is “always right” throughout their relationship. The father-of-three acknowledged that “kids are the biggest challenge that ever come your way” in marriage, noting the complexity of managing their three children’s different activities.
The Olympic equestrian sported a pearl-adorned Rebecca Vallance frock paired with pointed black shoes, a metallic clutch and pearl earrings.Mr Tindall complemented her elegance in a navy double-breasted jacket featuring decorative red and gold buttons.
