Majella O’Donnell Dismisses “Strictly Curse” as Husband Daniel Pairs with Kristina Rihanoff
Majella O’Donnell has brushed aside suggestions that her husband Daniel might fall victim to the so-called “Strictly curse” after being paired with Russian dancer Kristina Rihanoff. Despite the professional’s reputation for past high-profile relationships with her partners, Majella insists she feels no concern about Daniel’s involvement and has full faith in both her husband and Kristina.
Kristina, nicknamed the “Siberian Siren,” has in the past attracted headlines for her romances with fellow dancers and celebrity contestants, including professional Vincent Simone and rugby star Ben Cohen. Yet Majella, speaking candidly, said she was not swayed by tabloid stories and was confident that her husband’s new partnership was purely professional.
“The poor woman doesn’t have to go off with everyone she’s with,” Majella said. “I don’t think I will be ditched, so I am fairly confident. She’s very happy where she is now, and we’re very happy, so I have absolutely no qualms at all.”
Far from wary, Majella has already struck up a friendly rapport with Kristina. “I’ve met her, she’s very nice and she’s a brilliant choreographer. We message each other, she’s great,” she explained.
The O’Donnells had originally planned to spend a year away from the spotlight together, but Daniel’s invitation to join Strictly Come Dancing was too unique to ignore. Majella admits she played a decisive role in encouraging her husband to take part. “It’s a year off and we were supposed to be having the time together, then this came up. How often do you get an opportunity like this in life? It’s an experience, and I said go for it.”
While acknowledging Kristina’s much-discussed past relationships with co-stars, Majella remained pragmatic. “At the end of the day she was single,” she remarked, noting that Kristina’s past should not overshadow her talents as a teacher and choreographer.
Still, Majella admitted to feeling the nerves as the competition got underway. “I am going to be sick for the next three months — I’m going to be sick for the length of time he is in it, and hopefully he will be in it for a while,” she joked after watching the launch show.
With bookmakers offering odds of 20/1 on Daniel winning the series — compared with frontrunner Peter Andre at 5/2 — the Donegal crooner faces an uphill battle on the dance floor. But for Majella, victory is not the point. The chance for Daniel to embrace a new challenge and entertain audiences in a fresh way is reason enough to celebrate.
Away from the glitter and sequins of Strictly, Majella also spoke about her personal milestones, including the joy of becoming a grandmother and the relief of marking her second year in remission after cancer treatment. “I am getting through it and hopefully it will stay clear — I’m at the two-year stage now,” she said, adding that her new granddaughter has brought immense happiness into her life.
For Daniel and Majella, the next few months will be filled with rehearsals, nerves, and Saturday night performances. But while bookies calculate the odds and fans speculate on the outcome, Majella has already made clear that the so-called “Strictly curse” has no place in her marriage. Her focus is on cheering Daniel from the sidelines, supporting Kristina as his partner, and enjoying the adventure that lies ahead.