Strictly star's distressing family admission just weeks before secret split from partner

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tom Dean's mum recently opened up about her split from the swimmer's father, ahead of his own break-up coming to light.

The 24-year-old is reported to have fallen victim to the so-called Strictly curse, following his split from his girlfriend Charlotte after a year. The couple's separation is said to have occurred quietly while Dean was still competing on the BBC show with his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova.

A source disclosed to MailOnline: "Like in so many breakups, Tom and Lottie's year-long relationship had naturally run its course and it has nothing to do with Strictly.

"It just happened to be in the first two weeks that they decided to part ways."

The insider went on to say that the pair remain "good friends" and that all is "amicable between them". In their joint interview together back in July, Tom's mum Jacquie Hughes discussed her own painful split experience, when he was only 13.

She told The Times: "It felt like somebody had put a bomb under our lives when my marriage suddenly ended a few years later. Tom was 13 and he just cycled off when I told him. We had no idea where he went that day."

Despite the potential for disruption, the family maintained a positive outlook. Jacquie noted that it was during this period that Tom dedicated himself to his successful swimming career, which has so far led to three Olympic gold medals.

She further described her son as someone who enjoys a debate, adding: "He will argue the toss for fun. All five of my children are very opinionated."

Tom's mum was his greatest cheerleader during his brief participation in Strictly earlier this year. Sadly, despite putting in his best efforts on the dance floor, he was the first contestant to be voted off.

In the lead-up to the new series, his dance partner Nadiya also split from her fellow Strictly star Kai Widdrington. Addressing the break-up last month, she told The Mirror: "We work together but we are not friends and that's OK.

"One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him, it will be amazing because I'm a professional."