Girls Aloud star issues Strictly Come Dancing apology after major career move
Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts has extended her apologies to Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts after revealing a significant career development. The 39-year-old singer was rumoured to be joining the beloved BBC dance competition in the coming weeks.
Yet, Nicola's name was notably missing from the official line-up when it was unveiled. Instead, the pop sensation disclosed that she will be gracing the West End stage as Persephone in the musical 'Hadestown' starting September 16.
During an interview with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2, Nicola expressed her admiration for the production, which is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, calling it a "true masterpiece".
While discussing her new venture, Nicola shared: "I start on Monday, it's very daunting, I went to see the show again on Friday and it's just unbelievable. They're so tight and just fantastic."
Nicola acknowledged that many fans speculated about her participation in Strictly Come Dancing, saying: "I did get a lot of people asking me if it was Strictly, and Strictly's a great show but I want to sing."
She elaborated on her decision, stating: "I did the Christmas special and I like to dance, but I love to sing, and so this is the perfect opportunity. I get to sing eight shows a week, great big massive songs, stretch my wings. Sorry to the Strictly fans."
In the 2022 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, Nicola partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, earning a score of 39 for their waltz to Silent Night. Alexandra Mardell and Kai Widdrington ultimately clinched the victory in the festive contest.
Strictly Come Dancing is gearing up for its return to our screens in just a few weeks, with judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all set to make a comeback. The beloved presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will also be back at the helm.
This week saw the BBC reveal the first batch of celebrities ready to strut their stuff on the dance floor. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the former Olympic athlete and Gladiators star better known as Nitro, was the first name dropped.
Harry, who previously appeared in the Christmas Special, expressed his enthusiasm: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got."
He added, "I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track."
Harry is set to compete against a diverse line-up including former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer, actor Alex Kingston, ex-Chelsea footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal. More Strictly participants will be announced over the next few weeks.
In other news, Nicola is poised to make her Hadestown debut at the Lyric Theatre in London come September 16. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt will continue to play Persephone until then.
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