As another weekend of Strictly Come Dancing action kicks off, fans will recall Adam Peaty's appearance on the iconic BBC programme. Yet fewer might know about the allegations that his stint in the ballroom contributed to the end of his previous relationship.

That was according to his then-partner Eirianned Munro - who is also mum to their son George - after she claimed the notorious Strictly 'curse' played a part in their separation.

Triple Olympic champion swimmer Peaty was matched with professional dancer Katya Jones, who had previously been caught up in a cheating controversy with Series 16 celebrity partner and comic Seann Walsh.

Events became even more awkward when audiences seized upon what appeared to be an intimate moment between Peaty and dance partner Jones during their Argentine Tango performance in the 2021 series, reports Wales Online.

Numerous viewers remarked on how it seemed the swimming legend, who became the sixth celebrity to leave the competition, "nearly kissed" his professional partner as their routine concluded.

"Did Adam and Katya almost kiss? He absolutely forgot where he was," posted one stunned viewer on X. Another added: "Losing my mind at Adam going in for a kiss and Katya having to remind him they're on national television."

Peaty, who was still dating Munro at the time, was not pleased with the insinuations being made. He took to social media to criticise those putting a negative spin on his performance, telling host Rylan Clark that he had simply "got so into character.

"My favourite dance so far," he posted in response on social media. "Thank you to everyone who has sent supporting messages! I loved it. To everyone who wants to see what they want, your comments have real life consequences. I will not be overcome or lowered by your gossip. Protect your energy."

Peaty's stint on Strictly ended in December 2021, and he split from ex-girlfriend Eirianned about nine months later. He met his current girlfriend Holly Ramsay, daughter of TV chef Gordon, on the series when her sister Tilly was also a contestant.

The couple didn't start dating until May 2023, and Peaty proposed the following year. He is currently training for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where he hopes to win his third consecutive gold in the 100-metre breaststroke.

Eirianned referred to her former partner's appearance on the show as marking "the beginning of the end" for their relationship, and also revealed she received online abuse over the incident.

While there hasn't been much public animosity between the former couple, her past comments have suggested she didn't feel Peaty did enough to alleviate any concerns she had regarding his relationship with Jones.

"My advice wouldn't be to the partners of those going on Strictly, but for the celebrities participating," she told The Sun last year. "Involve your family in the process - it can be a very lonely process for partners."

She added: "And if you're not strong enough to go through the process - if your relationship isn't secure, or you don't know how to handle the intense attention that comes with it - don't go on the show."

This year's series of Strictly Come Dancing has maintained its custom of featuring sporting legends battling it out beneath the glitterball.

Amongst those hoping to make it through to next week are former England rugby skipper Chris Robshaw, Olympic sprint star turned Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and football icon Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Adam Peaty's ex suggested 'Strictly curse' caused break-up after he 'nearly kissed' partner - The Mirror