Strictly Come Dancing Page 5

BBC competition ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has found itself at the center of a ‘race row’ after a third non-white contestant left the show on Sunday.

BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty was eliminated by public vote last night, after finding herself in the bottom two with singer Anastacia. She is now the third non-white contestant to be voted off, after Tameka Empson and Melvin Odoom.

Continue reading: 'Strictly Come Dancing' Race Row Intensifies After Naga Munchetty's Exit

Will Young has sensationally quit BBC’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing and the producers have revealed he will not be replaced - despite fans calling for the reinstatement of last week’s loser Tameka Empson.

Will Young will not be appearing in Strictly Come Dancing any more

The 37-year-old singer announced he had quit the show because of "personal reasons" but has not elaborated on what those reasons are.

Continue reading: Will Young Has Sensationally Quit Strictly Come Dancing

The surprising elimination of actress Tameka Empson from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ over the weekend has triggered accusations from some quarters that the BBC show is racist, after two black contestants were voted off the show in consecutive weeks.

39 year old ‘EastEnders’ star Empson left ‘Strictly’ after losing the dance-off against TV presenter Laura Whitmore on Sunday night (October 9th). In doing so, she became the second of three black contestants on the show to be eliminated out of a pool of 15 starters, in only the second week where the public was given a vote.

Continue reading: 'Strictly Come Dancing' Attracts Racism Accusations After Tameka Empson's Elimination

Having been forced to miss her dance-off performance through injury, singer Anastacia has been given the all-clear to perform on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ this weekend.

The 48 year old American singer had been forced to make alterations to her salsa routine ahead of last weekend’s episode of ‘Strictly’, having torn a scar from her double mastectomy operation while training with professional dance partner Brendan Cole last week.

Anastacia will be able to perform this weekend on 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Continue reading: Anastacia Given The Green Light By Doctors To Compete On 'Strictly'

The BBC has dropped a significant hint as to who might be the eventual replacement on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ for Len Goodman, who is quitting the show at the end of the current series.

46 year old Karen Hardy, a former professional dancer on ‘Strictly’ until 2009, has been selected to be a judge on the panel for the show’s live tour early in 2017. This will reportedly act as a kind of trial for the permanent role for the 15th series this time next year.

Karen Hardy pictured in 2012

Continue reading: BBC Drops Hint At Len Goodman's Replacement On 'Strictly Come Dancing'

The new series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has barely started, but already one of the contestants has resigned themselves for an early exit, with Ed Balls admitting that the standard of his competitors’ dancing abilities is “too high”.

The former Labour Shadow Chancellor has joked that his “dad dancing” moves were unlikely to get him very far in the much-loved show, but he was surprised that he was the only contestant who was so obviously lacking in natural dancing ability.

Ed Balls is seemingly resigned to an early exit from 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Continue reading: Ed Balls Admits The Standard On 'Strictly Come Dancing' Is "Too High" For Him

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Daisy Lowe has revealed that her grandfather passed away suddenly on the first day of rehearsals for the BBC One show. Eddie Davis, who was nicknamed Fast Eddie, had helped raise the model and had been excited to see her take part in ‘Strictly’.

Daisy Lowe’s grandfather died on the first day of ‘Strictly’ rehearsals

Speaking to The Mirror she said: “It was all quite sudden. I was talking to him the day before. He was so excited about me doing the show.” Daisy was paired with pro Aljaz Skorjanec on last night’s launch show and says her friendship with fellow ­contestant Louise Redknapp helped her get through the tough time.

Continue reading: 'Strictly' Star Daisy Lowe Reveals Heartache Over Grandfather's Death: "I'm Dancing For Him"

Craig Revel Horwood has revealed the real reason why Len Goodman has announced he’ll be stepping down from the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judging panel at the end of the year – because he no longer has the energy for all the travelling he does.

72 year old Goodman combines his head judge role on BBC One’s Saturday night favourite, which returns next weekend (September 3rd), with a judging position on America’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’ – and the international travel it involves is getting too much for him.

Len Goodman is stepping down from his 'Strictly' role after this series

Continue reading: Craig Revel Horwood Knows The Real Reason Len Goodman Is Quitting 'Strictly'

A little under 12 months after they fell in love when partnered together on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ last year, Georgia May Foote has announced that she’s split from her dancer boyfriend Giovanni Pernice.

The couple finished as runners-up on 2015’s ‘Strictly’, behind eventual winner Jay McGuinness of boyband The Wanted and his pro dance partner Aliona Vilani.

Georgia May Foote with Giovanni Pernice in 2016

Continue reading: Georgia May Foote Splits From Former 'Strictly' Dance Partner Giovanni Pernice

The full line-up for this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has been confirmed, with four celebrity names being announced this week to complete the list of 15 competitors, including former Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford.

The other names to be revealed on Monday (August 22nd) included former ‘Birds of a Feather’ actress Lesley Joseph, ex-‘EastEnders’ star Tameka Empson and ITV’s Judge Robert Rinder.

29 year old Rutherford, who recently took bronze in the long jump at the Rio Olympics less than a week ago having won gold in London four years ago, will be keeping himself busy in the coming months by trying to impress the judges with the salsa, rhumba and foxtrot.

Continue reading: British Olympian Greg Rutherford Completes 'Strictly Come Dancing' Line-Up

Fashion model Daisy Lowe has been unveiled as the latest celebrity to participate in the upcoming series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

27 year old Lowe, who was discovered at the age of just 15 and launched her career in the modelling industry and the daughter of designer Pearl Lowe and rock star Gavin Rossdale, becomes the eighth name to be revealed for the fourteenth series of the BBC Saturday night favourite.

Reacting to her participation, Lowe told her fans on Wednesday (August 17th) she was “so looking forward to learning a new skill”, saying that it was “completely different” to the career she’s used to of “being on the catwalk and campaigns of major fashion brands”.

Continue reading: Daisy Lowe The Latest Celebrity To Take Part In 'Strictly Come Dancing'

TV presenter Laura Whitmore is the first female celebrity confirmed for the line-up of this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, which returns next month. Whitmore will join singer Will Young and former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, who were announced earlier this week, to compete for the Glitterball Trophy.

Laura Whitmore will compete in this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

Confirming the news on Nick Grimshaw’s Radio One Breakfast Show this morning, Whitmore said: "I've always known I've wanted to do it. Even as a kid, my mum was like, 'One day, you'll do Strictly'. It's what she always wanted me to do it!

Continue reading: Laura Whitmore Will Join Ed Balls And Will Young On 'Strictly Come Dancing'

A former professional dancer on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has strongly hinted that the BBC already knows that Len Goodman’s replacement on the judging panel will be Anton Du Beke, claiming that, although it won’t be announced yet, it is a “done deal”.

Trent Whiddon, who has only taken part in one series of ‘Strictly’ back in 2014 when he was partnered with Pixie Lott and made it as far as the 11th week of the show, spoke to The Mirror on Thursday evening (July 28th) at the premiere of his former dance partner’s new show ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ in the West End.

Anton du Beke with 'Strictly' celeb partner Katie Derham in December 2015

Continue reading: Anton Du Beke Reported To Be Len Goodman's Replacement On 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Alesha Dixon has ruled out retuning to the show, after head judge Len Goodman leaves next year. Dixon, a former Mirrorball trophy winner, joined the ‘Strictly’ judging panel in 2009 before leaving the show for 'Britain's Got Talent’.

Alesha Dixon has ruled out a return to ‘Strictly’.

Speaking at the AOL Build UK event on Friday, Dixon said: “No I'm certainly not going back. For me it's about moving forward and actually I'm really sad that Len is leaving but I totally understand. I had a great catch up with Bruno Tonioli recently and it's a massive deal because he's been there from the start.”

Continue reading: Alesha Dixon Rules Out 'Strictly Come Dancing' Return After Len Goodman's Departure

ITV is reportedly gearing up to challenge the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, with a new rival dance series called ‘Dance Dance Dance’. The channel is said to be pumping millions into the show, which is set to air in early 2017, giving it an all-star line-up and “mind blowing” special effects.

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

A source told The Sun: “For the past 12 years ITV has seen Strictly pull in massive ratings and gain a huge fan base of all ages. But ITV have finally decided it’s time to hit back and splash the cash on a super flashy show called ‘Dance Dance Dance’, which they bought from the company behind ‘The Voice’.”

Continue reading: ITV To Launch New Dance Show To Rival 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Kristina Rihanoff and her boyfriend Ben Cohen have welcomed their first child together.

Kristina, 38, and former England rugby international Ben Cohen, 37, are the parents of a baby girl after she gave birth earlier this week.

A statement from the couple’s representatives to Hello! magazine on Wednesday (July 13th) read: “Ben and Kristina are delighted to confirm they are the parents of a beautiful baby girl. They would like to thank friends and family for all their kind wishes at this happy time.”

Continue reading: Kristina Rihanoff And Ben Cohen Welcome First Child Together

Len Goodman has announced he will be leaving ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ after its next series. Goodman has served as the show’s head judge for 12 years, even appearing on the US spin-off 'Dancing With The Stars', but the 72-year-old says its now time to hand over to someone else.

Len Goodman is leaving ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

In a statement Goodman said: "This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I've reached my 70s, I've decided after this year it's time to hand the role of head judge to someone else. I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”

Continue reading: Len Goodman Announces Departure From 'Strictly Come Dancing' After 12 Years

Gregg Wallace has blamed his early exit from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ two years ago on the fact that his dancing partner didn’t “like” him, he has claimed in a new interview.

Speaking to OK! Magazine this week, the 51 year old ‘MasterChef’ presenter recalled his short-lived time on the BBC One Saturday night favourite back in 2014, and claimed that, although he isn’t a good dancer, he would have lasted longer on the show if his professional partner, Aliona Vilani, had liked him.

“I didn't particularly enjoy ‘Strictly’,” he admitted. “I love dancing but if I were paired with somebody who liked me, then I would have done better.”

Continue reading: Gregg Wallace Blames His Early Exit From 'Strictly Come Dancing' On Partner Aliona

Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Kristina Rihanoff has announced her first pregnancy, while live on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.

The 36 year old Russian-born star, who entered the CBB house just four days ago with 15 other contestants, revealed the she and her boyfriend, former England rugby union star Ben Cohen, are expecting their first child together.

At around 8pm on Thursday night (January 7th), she shared her happy news with the rest of the house. “There was something [that] happened in my life before I came into the house over Christmas.”

Continue reading: Kristina Rihanoff Reveals On 'Celebrity Big Brother' That She's Pregnant

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional dancer Aliona Vilani has made the decision to quit the BBC show on a high having won last weekend’s final with her celebrity partner Jay McGuiness.

The 31 year old announced the news via Twitter on Monday evening (December 21st), less than 24 hours after scooping the grand prize in Sunday night’s final. She revealed that she had gone into the latest series having already “decided [it] would… be [her] last one”.

Vilani with her 'Strictly' partner Jay McGuiness

Continue reading: Professional Dancer Aliona Vilani Quits 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Drunken shenanigans at the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ production wrap party in London’s Soho this week, as married presenter Zoe Ball was snapped locking lips with a boyband member half her age on the dancefloor.

45 year old Zoe, who presents the BBC2 spin-off show ‘It Takes Two’, has been married to DJ Norman Cook (who of course goes by the stage name Fatboy Slim) for 16 years, and has two children with him – 15 year old Woody and five year old Nelly.

Zoe Ball was pictured kissing a guy 23 years younger than her at the 'It Takes Two' Christmas party

Continue reading: Zoe Ball Pictured Kissing 22 Year Old Boyband Singer At 'Strictly' Xmas Party

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fans took to social media last night to express their dismay at the shock result of the public vote this weekend, which pitted contestants Helen George and Georgia May Foote together in the dance-off despite many regarding them as the most talented contenders in the competition.

It meant that ‘Call the Midwife’ actress Helen George exited the competition on Sunday night (December 7th), despite earning the highest accumulative score from the judges of the series so far the previous evening. She and her professional partner Aljaz Škorjanec danced a paso doble to music from 'Les Miserables', but were edged out by Georgia and her partner Giovanni Pernice’s foxtrot to 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Helen George exited 'Strictly', to the shock of many who regarded her as one of the best dancers

Continue reading: 'Strictly' Fans React With Dismay To Georgia May Foote V. Helen George Dance Off

Contestants on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ could be facing gag orders from the BBC, following recent ‘fix’ accusations by dancer Ola Jordan and contestant Jamelia. According to reports, celebrities and professional dancers will now have to sign a clause banning them from giving unauthorised interviews or speaking negatively about the show online.

Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ pro Ola Jordan.

An insider told The Mirror: “Some of the outbursts have been outrageous and completely unfounded, and can’t be allowed to happen again. For people employed by the show to be making such claims is unfair, and won’t be allowed to continue.”

Continue reading: 'Strictly Come Dancing' Stars May Be Gagged By BBC After Show Criticisms

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Len Goodman is reportedly facing the axe from the BBC series, in a bit to shake up the show and keep ratings high. Recently fans have been questioning the relevance of the 71-year-old judge, who also appears on the panel of US spin-off ‘Dancing With The Stars’.

Could Len Goodman soon be leaving the ’Strictly’ judging panel?

The Daily Star reports that producers may drop Goodman from the judging panel as part of plans to keep the show ahead of 'The X-Factor'. BBC bosses are responding to calls from fans who have been criticising the judge during the show’s most recent series.

Continue reading: Is Len Goodman Facing The Axe From 'Strictly Come Dancing'?

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Len Goodman has hit back at Ola Jordan’s recent claims that the show’s marking scores are fixed, dismissing them comprehensively in a new TV interview.

Professional dancer Ola confirmed her permanent departure from the BBC show last weekend, and has since implied that the judging panel systematically gives higher marks to more popular contestants in order to keep them in the show for longer.

At around the same time, eliminated star Jamelia also reckoned that the judges were keeping bookies’ favourite Peter Andre in the show after she lost the dance-off against the former pop star in week nine of the show this weekend.

Continue reading: Len Goodman Dismisses Ola Jordan And Jamelia 'Fix' Rumours On 'Strictly'

Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' pro Ola Jordan has sensationally accused the show of being ‘fixed’ by claiming that the judging panel intentionally ‘over-mark’ some contestants. Jordan quit the BBC competition last week after six years on the show.

Ola Jordan has hit out at ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

Speaking to The Sun, Jordan said: "In my opinion they know how many votes people scored in the previous weeks and then they try to influence their position on the leader board. Why else would they over-mark someone?”

Continue reading: Ola Jordan Slams 'Strictly Come Dancing', Accuses Judges Of 'Over-Marking'

Ola Jordan has reportedly left ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ after nine years on the programme. The professional dancer’s relationship with show bosses is said to have soured over the past year, since her husband James Jordan was axed from the show.

Ola Jordan (pictured with James Jordan) is said to have quit ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

According to The Mirror, Jordan has grown sick of tensions with bosses and will leave at the end of the current series. Jordan and her celebrity partner sprinter Iwan Thomas were the first couple to be booted off the show this series, after an underwhelming cha-cha routine.

Continue reading: Ola Jordan Reportedly Set To Leave 'Strictly Come Dancing'

She’s more used to watching her son coping with the pressures of the spotlight than performing herself, but this autumn Judy Murray will be the subject of public scrutiny as she confirmed that she is to take part in this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

Judy Murray is the second contestant to be confirmed on the upcoming series of 'Strictly...'

Judy, 54, is the second celebrity to be unveiled for the 2014 edition of the ever-popular BBC Saturday night show, after Frankie Bridge of the pop group The Saturdays was announced last week. The news was broken by the BBC through the official ‘Strictly…’ Twitter account, accompanied by a picture of Murray holding up one of the judge’s marking panels like a tennis racket.

Continue reading: Judy Murray Confirmed As Second Contestant On 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Louis Smith was last night crowned this years Strictly Come Dancing champion, wowing both the audiences and the judges with his light feet to take home this years glitter ball trophy.

The 23-year-old Olympic silver medalist beat off competition from actress Dani Harmer, TV presenter Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh in the much vied for final, making him the show's 10th victor. An overwhelmed, but still slightly jovial, Louis said after he was awarded this years title, "I can finally say I won something in the year 2012!"

With his fleet-footed rendition of the Charleston, Louis swept off the injury problems that have plagued him throughout the competition as though they weren't there, to perform a near faultless dance routine with his partner Flavia Cacace. The Olympian sustained a number of injuries throughout the show's 14-week run, including problems with his back - which limited the number of lifts he could perform - as well as a knee problem that he said would require surgery now the show is over.

Continue reading: Louis Smith Crowned King Of Strictly Come Dancing

The first live show of the current series of The X Factor suffered a ratings drop compared to last year's figures, with the viewing numbers down by 1.7 million from a 10.9 million average last series to 9.2 million this series.

If that wasn't bad enough for the show's bosses, the BBC's rival reality show, Strictly Come Dancing, improved on last year's ratings by going from 7.5 million to 8.7 million this year. However given that even with a ratings boost in tow the BBC show still hasn't managed to knock ITV's centrepiece show from atop it's perch must give the show's bosses some solace. Still, whilst the show was still the most watched show on British TV last night, its share of viewers considerably lower than last year, drawing in an average 40% of the available audience on Saturday night, while last year it dragged in a more impressive 49%.

Last night, the dwindling X Factor viewers got to watch 'wildcard' Christopher Maloney be given a second chance as he returned to the show having been spared by the viewer's vote. Meanwhile, over on the Beeb, Lisa Riley proved herself to be the dark horse of the contest as she finished the night atop the leader board with an impressive rendition of the cha cha cha.