Strictly fix row as Dani Dyer bragged about being a 'qualified dancer' before joining this year's line-up
Dani Dyer once boasted she would put 'qualified dancer" under the list of qualifications on her CV - as she gets ready to waltz on to the upcoming series of Strictly.
The Love Island star, 29, who is the early favourite to win the show, laid bare her experience on the dance floor, admitting she started training aged just two. It's set to call into question whether she has an unfair advantage over her fellow novice celebrities.
Last year trained dancer Tasha Ghouri faced a backlash for her training, with some fans branding her inclusion a 'fix'. It comes as three more celebrities were named for this year's series, including model Ellie Goldstein.
Writing in her 2019 book, Dani shared how she went to theatre school at weekends from two to 14 and it was there her talent for dancing emerged. 'It was called O'Farrell's Stage School and I was a really good little dancer,' she said. "I'm not a bad singer but it was the dance stuff I loved more - jazz, tap, ballet, modern. I'd get home and prance around the house.'
Elsewhere in the book she writes up a mock CV and under qualifications states: 'Qualified dancer and pretty good at singing (especially Dua Lipa or Ariana Grande at the top of her voice while cleaning the kitchen).'
Last year Strictly found itself caught up in a fix row after it signed Love Island's Tasha, 27, who had dance training. Actress Sarah Hadland and JLS' JB Gill were also accused of having a head start thanks to their experience. None of them went on to win the show, instead it was won by the first blind contestant Chris McCausland.
Elsewhere in her book she said that she shared her dreams of one day appearing on the BBC show. She gushed: "If Strictly Come Dancing want to give me a call I'd also be happy to be whisked around the dance floor."
Dani added at the time that "the only thing I'd be worried about would be the curse" as she was with Love Island co-star Jack Fincham at the time.
She also revealed she will have an ally on this year's show as she bonded with judge Shirley Ballas on a trek for Comic Relief. She said she was "just the most graceful, lovely person".
Dani's performing career got off to a tough start, she opens up in her bestselling book What Would Dani Do? My Guide to Living Your Best Life. Aged nine, she auditioned to be one of the dancers in the stage adaptation of Billy Elliot - and was rejected.
But it was thanks to her dad Danny, 48, who has starred in films The Human Traffic and Football Factory as well as EastEnders and Rivals, who gave her her first break.
"It was so nerve-wracking and when I didn't get the part I was beside myself,' she wrote. 'I cried all the way home. Mum bought me chunky chips and barbecue sauce to cheer me up, and I ate them with a plastic fork out of the container.
"Neither she nor my dad wanted me going for auditions for a few years after that. Dad clearly saw something in me though, because a few years later he asked me to play a part in a film he was doing called Vendetta.
"It was a bit random and out of the blue because I was at college (I studied musical theatre for a year but then dropped out) and he rang me up the day before filming to say that the actress who had been due to play the part had pulled out – she was meant to do a scene where she's dragged out of a car, but she'd found out she was pregnant so now didn't want to do it.
"So, Dad said it was mine if I wanted it. 'Babe, I don't know if you fancy it but I've got this little role at the beginning of my film Vendetta?' Obviously, I did!'
Dani then went on to win Love Island in 2018 with Jack Fincham. They split six months later. In May Dani married West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen, 28, in a lavish ceremony. The pair have twins Summer and Sky, two. Dani has son Santiago, four, from a previous relationship.
Dani is the 4/1 favourite to lift the Glitterball Trophy of the nine celebrities to be announced. YouTuber George Clarke is the second-favourite at 6/1.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: ' Dani Dyer is the current pick of this year's Strictly pack, but with contestants still to be announced, we could soon see someone waltz past her to the head of the betting.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
4 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing adds The Apprentice star Tom Skinner to 2025 line-up
Strictly Come Dancing adds The Apprentice star Tom Skinner to 2025 line-up He's a TV personality, social media star and businessman and will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns to BBC One this September A star of The Apprentice and Celebrity MasterChef has been added to the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up. Thomas Skinner has been announced as the tenth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly, as announced on Hits Radio this morning, August 14. So far, nine other stars have been confirmed for the 2025 line-up, with more names expected to be revealed in the days ahead. You can read the full line-up so far, here. Meanwhile, for everything Strictly 2025, click here. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Thomas Skinner first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, becoming a breakout star of his series. Since leaving the boardroom, Thomas has appeared on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Good Morning Britain and Faking It, alongside a memorable and meme-worthy appearance on Celebrity MasterChef. Born and bred in Romford, Thomas is a self-confessed 'grafter' who has spent much of his life on market stalls and currently runs a number of small businesses, ranging from mattresses to a gym. His motivational-style social media videos, often featuring unconventional breakfasts, have become hugely popular. In 2023 he released his debut book Graft – How to Smash Life. Thomas is also a regular on TalkSport Radio and in 2024 he presented their men's mental health podcast The Men's Room with Neil Ruddock. Article continues below On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Thomas Skinner says: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! "I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!' Today's news was first teased by Thomas in a video posted on his social accounts from his favourite cafe this morning. The news was then confirmed on Hits Radio with Sam Thompson. The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be announced in due course. The new series of Strictly will return to BBC next month, on September 20, as confirmed by Jon Kay on BBC Breakfast this week, more on that here. So far the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing line-up includes Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Nitro on Gladiators, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal and Youtuber George Clarke. La Voix and Chris Robshaw were revealed as the seventh and eighth stars joining the Strictly line-up during Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 Show on Wednesday. Also, trailblazing model and actress, Ellie Goldstein participation in the show was also announced. Article continues below Strictly Come Dancing 2025 returns to BBC One this September
Wales Online
4 minutes ago
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star reveals 'hard' health issue he faced on show
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star reveals 'hard' health issue he faced on show Ore Oduba won the famous Glitterball Trophy in 2016 when he partnered with Joanna Clifton, but he was reportedly battling a health issue while starring on Strictly Come Dancing Ore Oduba revealed he was battling a health problem while on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: ITV) BBC star Ore Oduba has revealed he was battling a 'hard' health problem while on Strictly Come Dancing. The former Newsround star took part on the show alongside professional dancer Joanne Clifton. Ore and Joanne went on to lift the famous Glitterball Trophy, finishing ahead of pop star Louise Redknapp and partner Kevin Clifton and Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac and professional Oti Mabuse. But Ore says he made desperate attempts to conceal a health issue while on the show, reports the Daily Mail. The star reportedly masked the fact that he was balding. Male-pattern baldness is said to affect around 6.5 million men living in the United Kingdom. For some men, the process can begin while they are in their teens, with others not experiencing hair loss until later in life. Ore, 39, is said to have treated himself with tablets and hair loss spray at the time. According to the Mail, he said: 'Hiding my hair loss during Strictly was hard but absolutely necessary. I'd visit my trusted barber every Friday so my hairline was tight and tidy.' Ore Oduba lifted the Strictly trophy in 2016 (Image: BBC/Guy Levy) Article continues below The NHS says that while many people do use hair-loss tablets such as finasteride they can have side-effects. It says some men who take them could struggle with ejaculation or suffer impotence from taking the tablets. There can however be more serious side effects, however the NHS says only one in 1,000 people experience the more severe reactions. These include low mood and lumps in the chest area, which could be a sign of cancer. Those who do experience the side effects are told to contact their GP or ring 111 immediately. Ore and Joanne were crowned winners in a shock result in 2016 after scoring two perfect dances in the Strictly final. After lifting the trophy, he paid tribute to his professional partner. Ore said: 'I am so speechless. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for everything you've given me. 'You are the most incredible person. This has been the most incredible experience of my life. 'I've learnt to dance. I've made a best friend. I've been on the show that I've loved for the past 12 years.' Ore Oduba rose to fame as a BBC presenter (Image: BBC) Joanne, who finished ahead of her brother Kevin, added: 'Thank you. I can't believe it. Thank you for working so hard. You've become a dancer.' After being crowned Strictly champion, Joanne left the show, returning as an expert presenter on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two in 2019. She has since appeared in stage shows including Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family. Article continues below Ore started his career on Sportsround before moving onto Newsroom. He has subsequently appeared on the likes of This Morning and BBC Breakfast. Away from screens Ore has appeared in musicals such as Grease, Curtains the Musical, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Meanwhile Strictly will return next month with stars such as former Love Islander Dani Dyer, ex-Premier League star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Gladiator Nitro set to take part.
Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly winner and Gladiator star to headline Southport Flower Show
Celebrity guests also include Emmerdale actor turned farmer Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz from TV series Fletchers' Family Farm Southport Flower Show returns this week for four days of horticultural highlights, celebrity guests, television chefs and even a real-life Gladiator. The finishing touches are being made to show gardens, exhibits, and trade areas at the town's 34-acre Victoria Park. Competition judging takes place later this week. Celebrity guests include Emmerdale actor turned farmer Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz from TV series Fletchers' Family Farm; punk icon Toyah Willcox; wildlife cameraman and Strictly winner Hamza Yassin; Zack George – Steel from Gladiators; Christian Lewis from The Wilderness Family; and children's TV favourite Justin Fletcher. Last year the event reached its milestone 100 th anniversary, attracting 50,000 visitors across the four-day event. Gates open to the public at 10am on Thursday. (14 August). Show times are 10am to 6pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. A packed programme spanning the four days features celebrity guest Q&A sessions in the Garden Theatre and live demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre; live music performances on the Piazza Stage; and an outdoor show arena hosting dog display teams, birds of prey, and horse shows. This year sees more family attractions than ever before. Alpacas are visiting for the first time, and a new children's trail highlights include conservation, scarecrow festival, children's yoga, doodle wall, and tennis skills. Alan Adams is General Manager of Southport Flower Show. He commented: 'Victoria Park is a real hive of activity with show gardens reaching the end stages of build, garden and cookery theatres being kitted out, marquees and exhibits dressed, and traders arriving to set up their stalls. Every single individual involved plays a vital role in the ongoing success and appeal of Southport Flower Show. It never ceases to surprise me each year just how committed and focused everyone is to get things exactly right. It's incredibly inspiring. 'Our special guest line-up spans all four days with plenty of opportunities to hear from the celebrities and watch the chefs live in action at the two dedicated theatres. Join us for a day bursting with colour, live entertainment, food, shopping – and not forgetting the beautiful blooms which await you.' The celebrity guest programme includes: Thursday 14 August: David Domoney, Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, Christian Lewis, Rosemary Shrager, Martin and Jill Fish. Friday 15 August: Toyah Willcox, David Domoney, Carole Baxter and George Anderson, Gladiator Steel Zack George, Phil Vickery, and Martin and Jill Fish. Saturday 16 August: Carole Baxter and George Anderson, Hamza Yassin, Nick Bailey, Cherish Finden, Nancy Birtwhistle, and Martin and Jill Fish.
