Latest news with #BBCStrictly
Daily Record
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Strictly major shakeup as two new stars confirmed for 2025
Two fresh faces are joining the BBC Strictly pro cast this year as new pictures show this year's lineup heading to rehearsals. The countdown to the next series of BBC Strictly Come Dancing is now well and truly on, with the pro dancers being confirmed for series 23. After much speculation over the past week about who will hit the famous dance floor in the autumn, rumours were circulating about the latest round of celebrities set to take part, and which pros will return. New dancers were being tipped for the next season, including So You Think You Can Dance star Alexis Warr and Australia's Dancing With The Stars season three's Julian Caillon, and now it's been confirmed by BBC bosses they are part of the 2025 line-up. An official announcement on Instagram reads: 'Please welcome our two new Strictly Professional Dancers! Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon join the Strictly Come Dancing family when the series returns this autumn on #iPlayer." As the news was revealed, the new pros were spotted heading to BBC rehearsal studios in London alongside the likes of fan favourites Gorka Marquez, Nancy Xu, Kai Widdington, Nadiya Bychkov and last year's winner, Dianne Buswell. Co-star Neil Jones was quick to reply to the official announcement online as he sent well wishes to his new colleagues. He said: "Oh @julian_caillon it was going so well until you said Chelsea FC but anyway. Welcome to the fam and @alexis_warr it's a pleasure to welcome another redhead see you both in rehearsals." Nancy Xu added: "Welcome to the family can't wait to start it!!!!! @alexis_warr @julian_caillon. And Luba Mushtuk said: "Congratulations @alexis_warr @julian_caillon. Exciting times ahead!!!!! Looking forward to meeting you both very soon." Gorka soon chimed in as he said: "Welcome to the team guys! @alexis_warr @julian_caillon." Karen Hauer added: "Welcome to strictly!! @alexis_warr @julian_caillon." Also pictured making their way to rehearsal studios were Michelle Tsiakkas, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden, and Johannes Radebe. As the dancers got back to work, Amy revealed on Sunday night that she was feeling "grateful" to be returning for her ninth year on the BBC dance-floor. The Welsh star was forced to withdraw early during last year's series due to an injury following a gruelling cancer battle in 2023. Amy, 34, underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. In a post to her 705k followers on Instagram, Amy said: "Feeling grateful, grounded, and SO excited for @bbcstrictly rehearsals to start tomorrow. "Year 9 – let's go!" The show is set to get into swing in September and rumoured celebrities set to take part include Stacey Solomon, Paul C Brunson, Dani Dyer, Ashley Cain, and Angellica Bell. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The confirmed pros are: Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Márquez, Lauren Oakley, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Neil Jones, Jowita Przystał, Kai Widdrington, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk. Nadiya posted an Instagram video expressing her delight to be returning when it was announced last week: "SO EXCITING!! Thankful to be back on the biggest show on TV. I can't wait for another spin around the Strictly sun. "Looking forward to working with the new pros too... they are going to LOVE it. Two of the things I enjoy most about life are dancing and teaching, and that's what the show is all about, so here's to another season of magical moments and memories." Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 23rd series with a launch show on Saturday, September 13 at 7:20 PM
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Strictly star left ‘scared' after ‘traumatising' mugging
The professional dancer shared the incident on social media, urging fans to stay vigilant and be aware. Talking on Instagram, Michelle said: 'Now this was a couple of days ago and I've just about mentally recovered from that. It was quite traumatising on the day.' Adding: 'It wasted my whole day and made me feel awful, scared, helpless and I don't want the same to happen to you. 'My phone got stolen. My phone got stolen. I mean I see it happening all the time but it's just one of those things that you just never think it's gonna happen to you. and then it does.' Strictly star shares 'traumatising' incident Michelle shared that the mugging took place in Covent Garden while she was on the way to the dentist. ♬ original sound - BBC Strictly ✨ @bbcstrictly "I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn't have had it any other way" They missed out on the quarter final but Jamie and Michelle will always have that Rumba and an incredible #Strictly On Instagram, the Strictly star said that she was walking along when a masked rider on an electric bike reportedly went past her and snatched her phone before speeding off. Recommended Reading Michelle fell to the floor during the mugging, hurting her knee, before two passersby rushed over to help her. Speaking to fans on Instagram, the Strictly star said: ''Be very careful. Phone theft is happening more and crime in the city is getting worse.' The dancer first joined Strictly Come Dancer in 2022 and got her first celeb partner in 2024 with EastEnders star, Jamie Borthwick.
Daily Record
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stacey Dooley and Strictly partner Kevin Clifton make exciting joint announcement
The couple have been together since they won Strictly in 2018. BBC Strictly professional Kevin Clifton has shared an update with fans over a huge 'first' with his long-term partner Stacey Dooley, seven years after the pair won the ITV show. The couple have lived a happy life together since they were dance partners on the 2018 series of Strictly, and they share a daughter together. Documentary journalist Stacey and dancer Kevin are set to work together for the first time since their Strictly triumph. The pair announced back in March that they are going to be hitting the stage together in the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story. The play's extensive UK-wide tour opens at Manchester Opera House on August 4, and will continue through to November. There will be a second leg of the tour running from January 8 - June 20 2026, with casting to be announced, reports Manchester Evening News. Returning to the role of Jenny following a limited run at the Gielgud Theatre in 2024, Stacey will perform alongside Kevin who will play Jenny's husband, Sam. With just weeks to go until the tour opens, Kevin and Stacey have been seen heading into rehearsals. Alongside a picture of the pair on Instagram, former Strictly pro Kevin said: "Day 1 back working with this little fella again. Last time was 7 years ago @sjdooley @222aghoststory." And fans were quick to share their excitement. @bizzielizzie39 said: "Can't wait to watch you both in it, coming to Manchester next month." @andielcfcsutton wrote: "Can't wait to see you both in it." @kaz_evs commented: "Coming to see you in Bristol and am more than excited!" @susancronshaw added: "Looking forward to seeing you in August in Manchester." The news of the couple's rehearsing comes after Kevin opened up about what it could be like working with his real-life partner. Even though Stacey, 38, has learnt to leave her characters - including Jenny - at the stage door, Kevin, 42, has to "live and breath" his characters and, therefore, may bring Sam home with them. Speaking on the latest episode of the All That Chat podcast, Kevin admitted: "We're not a very argumentative couple - touch wood - we don't argue a lot. "I'm sure it'll be fine. But also, Stace and me are very different in that Stace can very much go do her job, do it great, and then leave it at the door and come home. "Whereas I'm a bit obsessive and I have to live and breathe the character. I'll probably bring the character home, which might get interesting. It could be the ending of us." Kevin thinks it will be tricky to act with Stacey on stage. He explained: "When it's your partner in front of you who knows everything about you and all your insecurities and then you start playing this character in front of them ... it's going to be weird. I'm going to have to get over doing it in front of Stace, and she's going to have to get over doing it in front of me." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares move away from show saying 'it may be bigger'
BBC Strictly's Shirley Ballas shares move away from show saying 'it may be bigger' Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning and teased a new role away from the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas has excitedly shared news of a new venture that she believes 'may be bigger' than the BBC show. The head judge graced the This Morning sofa with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Monday (July 14) and disclosed her latest quest to find a dog to star in Coronation Street. With her own pooch Charlie by her side, Cat enquired: "You're not on the show looking for a ballroom dancer, you are looking for something else right?" Shirley enthused: "Charlie and I will be looking for the next pup idol and this is going to be maybe be even bigger than Strictly and I'm very excited to find out which little pet is going to be coming on the show." The competition, dubbed Pup Idol on This Morning, seeks a dog with standout charisma, charm, and an engaging personality, reports Edinburgh Live. Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas appeared on This Morning (Image: ITV ) Article continues below BBC Death in Paradise confirms return of Ralf Little as he reprises role READ MORE: The triumphant dog will have the opportunity to walk the iconic cobbles, appearing on television alongside some of the nation's most cherished characters. Elaborating on the criteria, Shirley stated: "We are looking for the best little pup in Great Britain so I'm very excited about that. "We are looking for one with a really good temperament, loving, kind, caring, well groomed and not easily distracted on a TV set." Ben clarified: "So it's a This Morning competition and generally looking for any of our viewers who think their dog could be a TV superstar." Shirley Ballas is on the hunt for a canine star with charisma and charm to join the Corrie cast (Image: ITV ) He then enquired: "So will the dog be on Coronation Street?" Shirley responded: "Yes. They'll be taking a stroll through the cobbles so we really need it to be fabulous." Shirley disclosed that joining her on the judging panel would be Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger. Cat admitted: 'That's going to be a tough job because I bet we are going to get some great entries. Shirley replied: 'Great entries, loving dogs and I just know I'm going to love them all and want them all on the cobbles." Shirley Ballas teased 'little changes' to the show that will 'surprise' viewers (Image: PA ) It didn't take long for Shirley to be quizzed on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing as Cat said: 'We can't let you go, sorry. We are not going to let you go, so come on what can you tell us about Strictly?' Shirley chuckled as she said: 'I knew this was coming. What I can tell you is that we've got fabulous professionals coming in and joining the show and they are amazing.' She then teased: 'We've got some little changes that you're going to be really surprised about. Every year they make those few little changes and it's really, really amazing and we've got a cast of all the cast and I know I say it every year but it's going to be off the charts.' Article continues below This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly star Tasha Ghouri opens up about split from Love Islander
BBC Strictly star Tasha Ghouri opens up about split from Love Islander Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has opened up on her love life, admitting that she is ready to start dating again after her split from her ex-boyfriend Andrew Le Page. Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island favourite Tasha has opened up about her break up with her ex-boyfriend Andrew LePage. (Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images ) Strictly Come Dancing sensation Tasha Ghouri has candidly shared a snippet of her personal life, revealing her openness to falling in love again soon and even hinted at marriage aspirations. Rising to fame on Love Island's eighth season in 2022, Tasha reached the grand finale, claiming fourth spot with then-partner Andrew Le Page. Following her stint in the villa, she achieved what she termed a "dream come true" by taking part in the previous year's Strictly Come Dancing edition. Now she has opened up on two different podcasts about her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and how she hopes to one day get back in touch. She told Rylan on his BBC Sounds podcast, Rylan: How to Be in Love: "He was the first boy I was in love with, you know, I learned so much from him. Like he taught me so much about love, and I will take that with me." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Rylan replied: "And he'll always be the first boy you fell in love with , well remember our biggest love to date, whatever you want to call it." Tasha continued: "I feel like we never had that closing chapter. You know when you have that last chat and you have that closure, we didn't have that, and I feel like that's still kind of lingering. "So, I'm sure one day we will have that closure chat... he was also my best friend, like at the time, he was everything. So, I really hope one day when things have settled and, you know we have time to grieve we have to look back on stuff. I really do hope one day we can get back in touch and find that civilness." Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent Despite her stellar performances leading her to the Strictly Come Dancing final, she narrowly missed out on lifting the coveted Glitterball, with comedian Chris McCausland and his dance partner Dianne Buswell clinching victory. Chris made history as the first blind victor on the show, while Tasha also left a historic footprint as only the second deaf contestant to participate in the BBC spectacular. In parallel to her accolades on screen, Tasha faced personal trouble as news emerged of her split from Andrew. The couple met on Love Island, where they finished in fourth place in 2022. (Image: Getty Images for Spotify ) Delving into the reasons behind their separation during an episode of Spooning with Mark Wogan, she reflected: "My head was kind of saying, 'stay in it, just trust it, it will change,' but it didn't, and that's where we had to sit down and think, 'am I going to be happy in 10 years' time, five years' time, two years' time?'". Following her recent break-up, she's declared herself ready to start dating again, sharing with Heat magazine: "I feel ready to open those doors again and start dating." She's also eyeing up a future that includes marriage and children: "At some point, I do want to get married and have kids - that's still my goal." During the candid chat, she expressed a longstanding desire for marriage and keenness for her grandmother to see her tie the knot, stating: "Marriage is something I've always wanted, especially for my nan to see me walk down the aisle," while revealing her grandmother is her "best friend." Article continues below
