Strictly Come Dancing confirms model Ellie Goldstein as ninth star in 2025 line-up
Now, she'll be taking to the Strictly ballroom. 'I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream," she said.
"I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!'
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The Independent
33 minutes ago
- The Independent
Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner on Strictly
TV personality Narinder Kaur has criticised the BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Skinner recently met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, and befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X. He recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts claiming 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and saying 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. In other posts, which drew criticism from some of his followers, Skinner said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and he complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. It comes as Kaur claimed she was told she was 'too controversial' for the show herself. In the caption of a video posted to X, Jeremy Vine panellist and former Big Brother star Kaur, 52, said: 'Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. 'But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!' In a statement, she added: 'There's only so much you can say in a short video, but I felt something many others have been feeling all day and that was complete shock and utter bewilderment – to see Thomas be announced in the line-up, considering all the rhetoric about how people with right-wing opinions are cancelled and not allowed on the BBC. 'I've debated Tom on Good Morning Britain before, I supported his book release at his launch party, there is a huge disparity in what certain demographics of people are allowed to say and still get one show after another. 'I met the Strictly team at the TV Choice Awards earlier this year and got talking to one of the bookers about the show generally – and she said 'You're a bit too controversial and we can't have that for the show.'' Social media personality Skinner has been announced as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of BBC One show Strictly. Following Skinner's post complaining about alleged abuse, Mr Vance replied with a picture of a cartoon character typing on a keyboard and a message that read: 'Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.' After the Strictly announcement, Skinner said in a social media post: 'They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on Strictly… Why are some people so angry that don't even know me.' Among the other celebrity contestants confirmed for Strictly this year are former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis. They join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Strictly Come Dancing faces huge backlash over latest signing with criminal past as fans predict another year of scandal
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing faced a huge backlash over the latest star signing. Fans have predicted yet another year of scandal for the long-running BBC celebrity dancing competition. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The BBC has faced backlash for signing Thomas Skinner for Strictly Come Dancing Credit: PA 6 Many fans also came to the defence of the star Credit: INSTAGRAM/THOMAS SKINNER 6 He's become known for his support of U.S. President Donald Trump and his VP, JD Vance Credit: Instagram The corporation recently announced that former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner will compete in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. The star has previously been open about his previous conviction for handling stolen goods in 2011. Taking to X, he wrote: "Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. "And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it." Thomas is known for his outspoken political opinions on social media, having expressed support for President Donald Trump. He's also known for his high-profile television appearances on the likes of Good Morning Britain and Celebrity MasterChef. However, many fans were not happy with the casting choice as droves of disgruntled users took to social media to complain. One user stated: "Right, so who in the Strictly production team signed up Thomas Skinner?!" Someone else fumed: "Amanda Abbington, Wynne Evans and now Thomas Skinner… oh #Strictly has a death wish." "I'm so serious, I loved this year's #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing," raged someone else. Apprentice star 'gives away' he's signed up for Strictly as celeb mates and pro dancers rush to congratulate him As a fourth added: "Platforming Thomas Skinner is absolutely wild to me like take one scroll through his platform and you can see." In defence However, many fans have defended the star as they have praised the show for the casting choice. One fan posted on X: "I am sorry guys can someone explain the real problem with Thomas Skinner being on strictly come dancing? He is real nice guy and genuine." A second stated: "I think it's great Thomas Skinner is going to be on Strictly and definitely a superb signing for common sense and decency." Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. Thomas Skinner "People crying because Thomas Skinner is going to be a contestant on Strictly. He's not perfect but there are far worse people out there," noted a third fan. While a fourth commented: "I haven't watched strictly for a good few years now for many reasons.. but, I will watch to support you this year." And a fifth fan added: "Taking BOSH mainstream! Nice bit of prime time advertising there." The Sun has approached representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Thomas Skinner for comment. Presidential support? The signing comes just a day after the Romford lad met US Vice President JD Vance at a Cotswolds BBQ. The married dad-of-three, 34, said: '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.' Thomas met up with Vance after the two struck up an unlikely friendship on social media site X. He hit back at the flak yesterday, adding: "I'm not right wing. People are like sheep and just started saying it because I got invited to go to bbq with JD Vance and I posted a picture with him. "Who is gonna turn down an opportunity to meet the 2nd most powerful man in the world?" 6 Thomas Skinner first rose to fame when he competed on The Apprentice in 2019 Credit: BBC 6 He's also known for his high-profile appearances on shows such as MasterChef and Good Morning Britain Credit: BBC/Shine TV
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova shares health update after hospitalisation
Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova shared earlier this week that she had ended up in hospital amid rehearsals for the BBC show's return and she's since issued an update to fans Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova has shared an update after ending up in hospital amid Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals. She previously revealed that she had landed on her back in a fall during a training session this week. It was announced on Tuesday that Nadiya, 35, had been in rehearsals in London for the new series of the BBC show that afternoon when she injured herself. Then, yesterday, she told fans that she'd got "the all-clear" at hospital and assured that she will be back on the dancefloor "soon". The pro has now issued another update ahead of returning to rehearsals for the show, which is expected to launch next month. It comes after a Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of show as he makes career announcement. Nadiya took to Instagram this evening with a message for her followers on the platform. She expressed gratitude for the support she's received this week and revealed in the post that she will be back on the dancefloor tomorrow. She wrote: "Hi everyone! I've had so many kind messages over the past 48 hours - thank you for your love and support. So many questions too so I just wanted to let you know that I had another scan today - just to check things over - and some more physio from the Strictly team and I'll be back on that dancefloor tomorrow." Nadiya concluded by saying that she's looking forward to the new series. She wrote in her statement earlier: "I feel a lot more like myself today, can't wait to be back with my [Strictly] family and looking forward for the new series." Earlier this week, a source revealed to the Mirror that Nadiya had injured herself during rehearsals. They said: "It looked pretty nasty and no-one was taking any chances. The Strictly crew rushed into action and she was stretchered out." A source close to Strictly said: "As a precaution, following a fall during rehearsals, Nadiya was taken to hospital for checks and is receiving full support from medical and welfare teams. Rehearsals continue and the Strictly team are in close contact with Nadiya." The following day, Nadiya shared details about the incident. Alongside a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed, she wrote yesterday: "Well… where do I start? What a 24 hours! Thank you so much for all the messages, love and support. "I just wanted you to know that I am ok. I had a fall in training yesterday and landed on my back. I was really worried for a while and I was so thankful to the Strictly family and medical team who really looked after me. The staff at the hospital were so kind and caring." She added: "I'm smiling in the picture but it was really scary and there were a few tears as I had to lie still for hours but I was given the all-clear after an x-ray and allowed to go home." Nadiya then told her followers: "I've got some physio today but I will be back on that dance floor soon and I'll be ready to shine and sparkle in the new series of the biggest show on TV. I can't wait for you to see it. Keep dancing!"
