DANIEL O'Donnell will not fall foul of the Strictly Come Dancing 'curse' that has seen celebrities ditch their spouses for dance partners, his sister has assured fans.
The Co Donegal singer will take to the famous ballroom floor for the first time tonight as the hit TV show returns for its latest series.
Daniel has been tipped to be paired with sultry dancer Kristina Rihanoff, who has previously become romantically involved with celebrity partners.
Over the years the 'Strictly curse' has seen numerous relationships break down as contestants fall for their professional dancers following weeks of intense training.
But Daniel's older sister, country singer Margo O'Donnell, last night insisted he would not be the latest to become tangled in an off-screen tryst.
The 64-year-old, who lives in Co Monaghan, said his wife Majella has nothing to fear about a possible pairing with Strictly siren Kristina.
"Daniel will keep her very respectful. I don't think they need worry this year," she said.
"I don't think Majella has anything to worry about – he's a one-woman man."
Margo added that her youngest brother is a "fabulous" dancer and she believes he could win the show.
"If there's any bets going, I will be betting on him to win," she said.
"All joking aside, I really think if he dances as he loves to dance then he will win Strictly.
"He comes alive on the dance floor. He learned Irish dancing. He would have gone to Irish dancing classes and set dancing, so there is nothing that will come up on Strictly that I think would baffle him."
Daniel has been tipped to be paired with professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff – reportedly in a bid to temper her reputation for becoming 'romantically involved' with her partners.
Nicknamed the Siberian Siren, she has dated two celebrities who have appeared on the show.
Both reportedly left their partners, while fellow dancer Vincent Simone also cheated on his girlfriend with Kristina in 2008.
However, show bosses are confident that coupling Co Donegal singer Daniel (53) with Kristina will help prevent a repeat of the so-called 'Strictly curse'.
The show has seen numerous relationships break down over the years when celebrities fall for their professional dance partners.
Kristina (37) is said to be happy in her relationship with England rugby star Ben Cohen, who she partnered on the show in 2013.
Daniel and his wife Majella have been happily married since 2002.
According to the Daily Mirror, a BBC insider said: "It was thought Daniel was the perfect person to pair with Kristina amid the controversies.
"Going public with Ben this summer has really put her in the spotlight and the BBC doesn't want to risk looking like it's courting drama by pairing her with someone there could be flirtations with.
"Daniel is such a wholesome character, he was deemed the most appropriate partner."
Tonight's 13th series launch will feature a group dance from the 15 celebrity contestants including chef Ainsley Harriott and singer Peter Andre.
Once the celebrities are paired with the professionals, they will have three weeks to train before returning to the dance floor to perform live every Saturday.
The BBC's Strictly is set to overlap with ITV's The X Factor every Saturday evening, fuelling another ratings war between the flagship programmes.
Last year's Strictly launch had viewing figures of 6.5 million, compared to 5.8 million for The X Factor on the same night. Strictly's final averaged at 10.6 million viewers, compared to The X Factor final's 9.1 million.
Margo admitted she would usually watch The X Factor, but said she will have to record the singing contest this year to support her brother.
"But then I might record Daniel as well – I will want to watch it again," she said.
Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight on BBC One at 7.15pm.
