Latest news with #BBCStrictlyComeDancing
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 first pairing 'revealed' as star drops cryptic clue
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 first pairing 'revealed' as star drops cryptic clue BBC Strictly Come Dancing has been dropping the names of the first contestants for 2025 and eagle-eyed fans may have seen one of the pairings has already been 'revealed' Comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell proved to be the perfect 2024 pairing when they won (Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire ) BBC hit Strictly Come Dancing has already confirmed the first few contestants who will be taking part in the 2025 series but it will be a while yet until they are officially unveiled alongside their professional dance partners. However, eagle-eyed fans may have already been given the biggest clue yet about one of the pairings after a post was shared by Strictly's official Instagram account. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a contestant on the 2024 Christmas special, was confirmed as the first celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly during an announcement on Monday, August 11. The surprise announcement saw him prank CBBC Newsround viewers when he appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as 'world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott', there to talk about his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing every day. His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. Harry then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he's taking part in the new series. Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has signed up for Strictly Come Dancing Following the revelation, the BBC Strictly official Instagram account also shared news in a post that featured his photo and the caption: "#STRICTLY... ARE YOU READY?! Gladiator Nitro is our first celebrity reveal! @aikines is back in the Ballroom for 2025." Many of the professional dancers shared their joy with Nancy Xu penning: "Yessssss he is hereeee," while Gorka Marquez said: "YES BRO!!" and last year's pro winner Dianne Buswell, who lifted the trohpy with comedian Chris McCausland, added: "Amazing." Meanwhile, Karen Hauer posted four flame emoji's which prompted a response from a fan who said: "yes Karen I hope you get someone really good this year plz strictly (two flame emojis) bet he will be good. X" This led Harry to reply with a laughing emoji and an eyeball emoji, which is usually used to draw attention to something and could be a sign that Harry is partnered with Karen, who last year danced with former England footballer Paul Merson. Karen Hauer with Paul Merson during last year's series (Image: BBC) Following the announcement about Harry, three more contestants were announced back-to-back on Monday's edition of The One Show, which was hosted by Alex Scott and Roman Kemp. The first to be announced was Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who admitted it had been "so hard" to keep it all a big secret. Talking of her family's reaction to her taking part, including dad EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, Dani said: "They're so excited, it's such a fun, magical show and to be asked to do it is such an honour." The mum-of-three, who recently married footballer Jarrod Bowen, added she was "worried" about picking up the routines and is "petrified" of being on live television. Dani Dyer was announced during The One Show (Image: BBC) The next contestant revealed to be joining Strictly was Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, who confessed she was "super excited" but is now "terrified". The Grange Hill actress - appearing on a live video link from her holiday in Italy - recalled once telling former Strictly finalist Sarah Hadland how "desperate" she was to be in Strictly, who told her "it changed her life and she would do it again in a heartbeat". Article continues below And finally, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was confirmed as the third. The father of four daughters said Strictly was part of his "home life" and he was ready to "have a go". Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'I was fearful' as she announces new venture
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'I was fearful' as she announces new venture Former Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft marked a career first on Wednesday Former Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft admitted, "I was fearful", as she announced a new venture. The ex-tennis professional took part in the 21st series of Strictly alongside professional partner Johannes Radebe. The popular duo reached the semi-final stage, securing fourth place behind victorious couple Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola. Annabel is now embarking on a 28-date tour across England, Scotland and Wales. Her debut tour, entitled From Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls, begins next month and will offer audiences an insider's perspective on the world's most prestigious tennis championships, whilst also delving into Annabel's Strictly experience, reports Edinburgh Live. Annabel Croft appeared on The One Show on Wednesday (August 6) (Image: BBC) BBC Strictly Come Dancing confirms first benched professional for 2025 series READ MORE: Annabel appeared on The One Show on Wednesday (August 6), where she discussed her latest career venture with presenters Alex Jones and Vernon Kay. "I've been asked to do a speaking tour around the country from middle to late September till November, and it's new territory for me because I've never done anything like that before," she revealed. "I have done speeches and things, but it's a chance for me to talk about what does it take to go from being a little girl as I was at nine, picking up a racket for the first time. "What does it take, sort of the apprenticeship of going on that journey to then make it to Wimbledon, and then retiring at 21 and moving into broadcasting, interviewing all these wonderful great champions. "And how did that lead me to Strictly Come Dancing. So, it's kind of a tour to look back and reflect on my life." Annabel competed on the 21st series of Strictly (Image: BBC) The 59-year-old went on to express her pride in overcoming her fear of public speaking, which she described as "terrifying". "When I look back at speaking, it was actually something I was very fearful of when I was younger. I used to almost hyperventilate and have a complete panic attack about speaking publicly," she openly admitted. "It's funny for me now thinking, 'Well, I'm going to do a speaking tour'. And it's like, 'How on earth have I come such a big circle?' To be able to have the confidence." Article continues below As this year's series of Strictly approaches, there's been increasing speculation about which celebrities will be stepping onto the dance floor. Current cast rumours include Love Island's Dani Dyer, Olympic legend Mo Farah and Corrie star Helen Flanagan. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood left speechless as Naga Munchetty 'takes over' weather bulletin
BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood was left stunned by Naga Munchetty's move during the latest show BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood was playfully 'shut down' by her co-star Naga Munchetty live on air after she cheekily suggested they move on to "something interesting" - after 'taking over' the weather bulletin. On Thursday's episode of the popular morning programme, Naga and Charlie Stayt were back on our screens, waking up the nation with the latest global news headlines. They were joined by weather presenter Carol, who was back on the show to deliver the day's forecast. Before Carol could launch into her segment, Naga introduced her by saying: "It's time to talk to Carol and look ahead." The camera then switched to a screen showing Carol standing in front of a green screen displaying the day's weather. Seemingly taking over Carol's forecast, Naga pointed at the screen and said: "That's pretty much the view that was out there this morning and I think that is there for a lot of us. It's quite changeable weather but I think calmer nights and less stuffy nights," reports the Express. Carol humorously interjected: "And that is the forecast, I'll be back in 10 minutes with the headlines." The studio erupted in laughter as Naga jokingly responded: "Bye Carol it was really good talking to you. It is 12 minutes to 9 is the time, let's move on to something more interesting." Caught off guard by the comment, Carol pulled a surprised face at the camera and exclaimed: "A shock." Naga couldn't help but laugh as she added: "Only joking." It comes as Carol recently opened up about her time on BBC Strictly Come Dancing as she confessed that the programme left her feeling 'shattered'. The 63 year old hit the dance floor back in 2015 alongside professional partner Pasha Kovalev, with the duo bowing out of the competition during the seventh week. While speaking to Gary Davies on Radio Two, the BBC star revealed that balancing dance rehearsals with her morning weather presenting role proved demanding. She said: "When you look back on it, you think, 'I can't believe I did that'. It was joyous, it was really hard work because I was working Monday to Friday, doing Breakfast at the time. "So I was exhausted doing it, but Pasha Kovalev, my partner, is a gent as well and a really, really nice man." BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer
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
Edinburgh Live
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Queen Elizabeth's 'bemusing' two-word comment about Archie and Lilibet on final visit
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to celebrate the fourth birthday of their daughter, Lilibet, with private celebrations expected in her honour. The duo, who exchanged vows in 2018, welcomed their second child on June 4, 2021, making her a younger sibling to six year old Archie. Since opting out of their senior Royal duties in 2020, the Sussex family has made their home across the pond in America. READ MORE - BBC Strictly Come Dancing legend reveals reason she quit show and career change READ MORE - Edinburgh stars as Netflix unveils 'sneak peek' into chilling Frankenstein adaption Just two years into their American life, Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 96. Prince Harry shared insights from his children's "final visit" with the Queen, revealing to the Scottish Daily Express that she appeared "bemused" by the little ones, reports the Mirror. In his tell-all memoir 'Spare', Harry delved into the events surrounding the Queen's funeral and their subsequent return to the US: "For days and days we couldn't stop hugging the children, couldn't let them out of our sight, though I also couldn't stop picturing them with granny, the final visit." (Image: undefined via Getty Images) (Image: undefined via Getty Images) He described how "Archie was making deep, chivalrous bows, his baby sister Lilibet cuddling the monarch's shins." Harry recalled the Queen's reaction, noting she called them the "sweetest children" while seeming "bemused". "She'd expected them to be a bit more... American, I think? Meaning, in her mind, more rambunctious," he concluded. Upon returning home, I was over the moon to resume daily routines like taking the kids to school and reading Giraffes Can't Dance, but memories kept flooding back. King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla ascended to their new roles after the Queen's passing. It is reported that the Royal couple have had limited interactions with their grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, meeting the latter only once during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022. Prince Harry acknowledged the distance between himself and his family in a recent interview. In a conversation with the BBC, the Duke of Sussex expressed his desire to reconcile, stating: "There's no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious." A disagreement over security arrangements led to a rift, with Harry revealing that his father "won't speak to him". Earlier this year, Harry was defeated in a court case relating to the downgrading of his personal security level. Commenting on the verdict, he said: "I'm devastated - not so much as devastated with the loss that I am about the people behind the decision, feeling as though this is okay. Is it a win for them?". "I'm sure there are some people out there, probably most likely the people that wish me harm, W.H.O. consider this a huge win." Prince Harry has chosen not to pursue further legal action, as the judgement has shown that a court victory would be unattainable. He further expressed that the decision has led him to a point where he "can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point".
