Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis joins Strictly hopefuls
The Australian TV star told ITV's This Morning that he is "very, very excited" to be doing something outside of his comfort zone.
He also said his wife Gail Easdale has been helping to teach him how to dance but said: "That doesn't mean I'm any good."
They will join the likes of Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein in the line-up for the series, which begins next month.
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Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
BBC calls in police to investigate new Strictly allegations
The BBC has asked the police to investigate Strictly Come Dancing amid fresh allegations, according to reports, after claims two of its stars used cocaine. The Sun On Sunday reported that the corporation has alerted the Metropolitan Police to new allegations about the hit dance competition show, the details of which it does not specify. A BBC spokesperson said on Saturday the corporation does not comment on police investigations. It comes after reports in The Sun earlier this month alleged two Strictly cast members' drug use was discussed on the BBC dancing show, and said that the corporation had appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to lead the investigation. The scandal-hit show was also the subject of a review in 2024, when the BBC looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made – and introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving welfare. This included the introduction of a chaperone who is present 'at all times' during training room rehearsals. EastEnders star James Borthwick was also suspended from the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using a disabled slur on the set of the dance programme. The cocaine use allegations were reportedly made in a legal submission by law firm Russells in March on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, who was dropped by the BBC after apologising for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour. It is understood that the BBC often appoints external law firms to help it lead investigations. The BBC spokesperson previously said: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Strictly pro Michelle Tsiakkas defends Jamie Borthwick after he was suspended by BBC and reveals pair are ‘really close'
Jamie was banned from EastEnders in June after The Sun on Sunday revealed a video of him using a severely derogatory term STRICTLY SUPPORT Strictly pro Michelle Tsiakkas defends Jamie Borthwick after he was suspended by BBC and reveals pair are 'really close' STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Michelle Tsiakkas has defended her former dance partner Jamie Borthwick - after he was suspended by the BBC over an ableist slur. Michelle, 29, who placed seventh on the BBC dance series with Jamie, 31, last year, revealed how the pair were still 'really close'. 4 Strictly pro Michelle Tsiakkas has defended her former dance partner Jamie Borthwick - after he was suspended by the BBC Credit: PA 4 Borthwick was banned after a video surfaced of him using a severely derogatory term Credit: Getty Advertisement She told The Sun on Sunday: 'Whatever you saw on screen of our relationships together is what our relationship is like. 'We're like brother and sister, we're really close. He still actually messages me saying that he misses it. 'I saw him the other day, he remembered all of his routines, he was doing them again. I was actually so surprised.' Speaking at the National Reality TV Awards, Michelle added: 'For me, that counts more than any trophy because I feel like I had a positive impact on your life and changed it for the better - in terms of him finding this new found love for dancing. Advertisement 'He's honestly so passionate about dancing. I can't believe it. He is trying to dance with everybody and do his routines with everyone.' It comes after Jamie was banned from BBC soap EastEnders in June after The Sun on Sunday revealed a video of him using a severely derogatory term. It saw him describe the people of Blackpool as 'absolute m**s' while there for last year's Strictly live show. Asked if she and Jamie chat in a Strictly WhatsApp group, Michelle said: 'We mostly talk just me and him so that is really nice that we still have a good relationship.' Advertisement Speaking about the pressure that comes with the BBC series, she added: 'The show is about joy and dancing. 'It always needs to come back to that because it is such a special show. Fresh Strictly scandal as Jamie Borthwick & Wynne Evans blasted by BBC over shocking SEX TOY vid filmed in dressing room 'It's about having fun and not taking anything too personal and creating memories that last a lifetime, which they truly do.' 4 Michelle revealed how the pair were still 'really close' Credit: Getty 4 'We're like brother and sister, we're really close. He still actually messages me saying that he misses it', says the pro Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I like posting sexy pics but there's thing I'd never do says Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker as she tells all about soap role
The soap star's posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' — but Rebecca makes it very clear she is happily married SOAP SIREN I like posting sexy pics but there's thing I'd never do says Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker as she tells all about soap role Emmerdale actress Rebecca Sarker loves posing in cheeky outfits – after proud husband Rico convinced her to show off her sizzling figure on social media. But unlike her character Dr Manpreet Sharma, who posted racy snaps on a fictional subscription site, the soap star says she would not strip off for OnlyFans. 6 I like posting sexy pics but I'd never go on OnlyFans, says Rebecca Sarker Credit: Getty 6 Rebecca Sarker was urged to show off her incredible figure on Instagram by her proud husband Credit: Instagram/rebeccasarker When Rebecca first joined the ITV soap, she would share behind-the-scenes pictures for her followers on social media — until Rico convinced her to be bolder. In an exclusive interview, Rebecca, 50, says: 'A few years ago I had been doing some stunt scenes for Emmerdale wearing Lycra pants and a sports bra. 'I sent a picture of me to my husband as I'd been doing some working out and I thought I looked quite good. 'He said, 'Post it on Instagram'. My immediate reaction was, 'No, no, I can't post that'. 'But after checking with the production team asking if it was too outrageous, I was assured it wasn't.' Since then, Rebecca has regularly posted pics of herself in swimsuits and outfits showing off her fab figure. She admits she loves it and is flying the flag for older women after getting such a positive reaction. Rebecca says: 'I've had a lot of really lovely responses — mainly from women. 'They have sent nice messages saying, 'Yeah come on . . . #strongwoman and #girlpower'.' 'Nothing wrong with a bikini holiday snap' Her posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' — but Rebecca, who is mum to two boys aged 19 and 14, makes it very clear she is happily married. Emmerdale episode sees Manpreet and and Ruby arrested She says: 'I think my posts are sufficiently tongue-in-cheek for people to know what I am doing. 'This is just a little sideline. This is fun and it works for me. 'I see my Instagram as like a brand. I won't post any pictures of my family and friends unless they want me to. 'I like keeping fit. I try to go three times a week to either the gym or I go out cycling, and I did ITV's The Games in 2022 too. This is me saying, 'I like staying healthy'. Manpreet was emotionally vulnerable when she set up her subscription account. She had a failed relationship behind her and needed a boost to her self-esteem Rebecca 'There is nothing wrong with posting a bikini holiday snap on Instagram. It's me being a bit cheeky, having some fun and it's a chance to show I am happy in myself with how I look and happy being fit and healthy.' It's a far different story for Rebecca's character. In March, village GP Manpreet shared intimate pictures of herself after setting up a profile on a site called Fans Only. But she was distraught when a mystery person threatened to expose her unless she handed over £5,000. Mortified, Manpreet was forced to close the account down before discovering scheming businessman Joe Tate was behind the blackmail plot. Rebecca says: 'Manpreet was emotionally vulnerable when she set up her subscription account. She had a failed relationship behind her and needed a boost to her self-esteem. 'It was a lot of fun to play this storyline but there certainly wouldn't be a blurring of fiction and reality for me, as Rebecca.' 6 Rebecca's posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' Credit: Instagram/rebeccasarker 6 There is nothing wrong with posting a bikini holiday snap on Instagram. It's me being a bit cheeky, says Rebecca Credit: Instagram But she adds with a laugh: 'I wouldn't say no to an Only Flans account, though — I love baking.' This week viewers have seen the actress in another major storyline. Manpreet finally discovered her sister Meena was a murderer after she killed three people in 2022. She has also had a romance with vicar Charles Anderson and a one-night stand in April with bad boy Ross Barton — which led to her ending up in a police cell after a catfight with fiery Ruby Milligan, played by Beth Cordingly. Ladies man Ross had also dated Ruby's daughter Steph, who has now left the village for good. Rebecca says: 'Ruby is understandably very protective of her daughter and blames Manpreet's one-night stand with Ross for Steph's exit. 'When she saw Manpreet canoodling again with Ross on the doorstep, she put two and two together to get five. 'They had a fight that led to a night in a police cell together. 'But after learning more about each other's past, they had a real 360 moment and it made them very mellow and sentimental. It was poignant, and soap drama at its best.' I am Yorkshire born and bred and it feels like going home whenever I am on set Rebecca It is this kind of drama that has kept Rebecca loving her job and never experiencing the urge to leave after seven years on the soap. She says: 'I haven't had the seven-year itch. I still love playing Manpreet just as much as I did when I joined. 'I love the fact every time I get a new story, it's something completely different and it introduces another facet to her character. She is never one-dimensional.' Rebecca — who has played two doctors on TV — grew up in Halifax, West Yorks, in a medical family. She says there was never any pressure from GP dad Khaleque or mum Elizabeth, a nurse, to go down the medical route, and her dentist brother persuaded her to try acting. Her first TV role, aged 23, was playing Nita Desai, part of Coronation Street's first Asian family, in 1999. She was a doctor in two episodes of EastEnders in 2007 before heading to Emmerdale. 6 Soap fans are now speculating about whether Manpreet and Ruby will now become best friends Credit: ITV 6 The actress admits she is excited to take part in whatever comes next for her character Credit: ITV But despite growing up in Yorkshire, she now lives in Essex and does the 200-mile commute to the studios every week, returning to her family on a Friday night. She admits that she was hesitant at first but her sons convinced her to take the job and it helped that her husband was able to work from home to be there for the boys. Rebecca says: 'I am Yorkshire born and bred and it feels like going home whenever I am on set. It's such a beautiful environment to be in. You go where the work is. It's a tough gig being an actor but it works very well and I am lucky to have a family that is so supportive while I am away. 'Actually, when I got the job, I didn't think I could do it but my kids said, 'Of course you can — don't be ridiculous. We will make it work'. 'Nobody is bigger than the show' 'I take my lead from them and if it ever felt too difficult or it was affecting them adversely I would have to rethink. But they are brilliant. 'They were 12 and seven when I joined and now they are 19 and 14 — so juggling has got a bit easier too.' Soap fans are now speculating about whether Manpreet and Ruby will now become best friends. Rebecca says: 'These are two women who can be brutally honest with each other and say it as it is. 'Ruby has never had that before. Their connection is now too strong to dissipate.' The actress admits she is excited to take part in whatever comes next for her character. Rebecca says: 'I love seeing her develop. She has some great lines and I hope viewers think she is real and plausible. 'I do feel she has more to offer but obviously nobody is bigger than the show. 'If my time ever comes up, so be it, and I have had a wonderful time. 'But I love it on Emmerdale. I am proud to be a part of it.'
