Latest news with #ChrisRobshaw
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ross King brings foot bath to first day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals in a bid to avoid sore toes
It was only the first day of Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals yesterday – but some of the show's class of 2025 are already making sure their feet remain in pristine condition. Good Morning Britain and Lorraine's Los Angeles reporter Ross King even took a £30 Revlon Pediprep spa with him to the London studios. The device promises a 'relaxing, bubbling foot massage'. It is well known that celebrity contestants on the BBC show suffer bruises and lost toenails as they compete for the glitter ball trophy. King, 63, was joined at the rehearsals by his new co-stars, including former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, 39, and La Voix, 45, star of RuPaul 's Drag Race UK and broadcaster Dani Dyer, 29, daughter of ex-EastEnders star Danny. Meanwhile, former England women's footballer Karen Carney, 38, and Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn, 49, were yesterday announced to complete the line-up of the new series, which starts next month on BBC One. Nairn, who stands at 6ft 9ins, is perhaps the show's tallest contestant ever. He played Hodor in the HBO fantasy series and is also known for his role as Wee John Feeney in the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death. Amongst the celebrities gearing up for practice was former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner [right] Among the celebrities gearing up for practice was former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who earlier in the day had hit back at 'woke' critics complaining of his signing to the show. Critics had demanded the BBC revoke his invite to join Strictly Come Dancing 2025 because he met JD Vance, with some Strictly fans bombarding the Beeb with complaints and vowing to boycott the show. Taking to X on Friday, Thomas, 34, addressed the backlash, penning: 'Some call me 'controversial,' but I think it's just a dig at normal, hard-working people if I'm honest. But we don't let that stop us. We keep going, we look out for each other, and we use it to drive us forward.' In his message, he shared his excitement as heading filming Strictly for the first time, noting he was 'proud as anything', before thanking his fans for their support. Thomas also revealed he has to 'keep the wheels' and work as he's got three kids and a wife to support, before cheerfully signing off and inviting anyone local to have 'a pint' with him later. The businessman flashed a dazzling smile as she climbed out of his car and joined his fellow stars for the start of their Strictly journey. Meanwhile, the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers were on fine form as they too arrived, led by Dianne Buswell. The flame-haired beauty was certainly in great spirits as she turned up alongside the likes of Nancy Xu and brand new pros Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. Meanwhile, Nadiya Bychkova was seen for the first time since her horror fall earlier this week. The Ukrainian dancer, 35, was reportedly taken to hospital on Tuesday after falling and landing on her back during rehearsals. The star was training in north London when she was left in agony after injuring her back, with crew forced to phone an ambulance. However, after updating her fans on her condition, the blonde bombshell was back to her best as she joined her fellow pros for rehearsals.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Strictly reveals former England rugby star in 2025 line-up
On joining Strictly 2025, Chris shared: 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! 'I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.' Who is Strictly star Chris Robshaw? Chris first joined his childhood club, Harlequins RFC, straight out of school and became captain at 23 years old. He earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016. At club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins RFC, guiding them through their most successful era and becoming the only player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award twice. Recommended reading: Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up so far These are all the celebrities who have been confirmed for Strictly 2025 so far, with more to be announced in due course: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Nitro from Gladiators Dani Dyer – former Love Islander Alex Kingston – actor, ER and Doctor Who star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – ex-footballer Balvinder Sopal – EastEnders star George Clarke - YouTuber and podcaster La Voix - RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist Chris Robshaw -former England rugby union player and captain Ellie Goldstein - model Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Giveaway clue that Strictly star WON'T make the semi-final revealed
A TELLING clue signalling one Strictly Come Dancing star WON'T make the semi final has come to light. Eagle eyed fans spotted the potential diary clash - between the BBC One show's last instalments and a theatre commitment. 6 6 6 It came after the latest Strictly names were announced on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 this morning. They saw Drag Race star La Voix and rugby star Chris Robshaw revealed as the latest competitors with their sights set on the Glitter Ball trophy. Yet fans have speculated how La Voix, who was runner up on the sixth series of RuPaul 's Drag Race UK, will not make the semi final due to a commitment to panto. She is signed up for a production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Wycombe Swan Theatre. While the production kicks off on Friday, December 12 - in the midst of the Strictly season - the panto notes that she won't be onstage on Saturday, December 20. While it states "no other performances have been affected" this could be subject to change - yet it has led to speculation La Voix won't last until the festive season shows to give herself time to juggle both roles. LA VOIX'S VIEW After her Strictly reveal, La Voix gave her thoughts on her new telly role. She said: "This is very exciting." BBC Radio 2 host Scott then praised her outfit, with the drag star saying she was "channelling glitterball" before adding: " Strictly need to step up their game as I wear rhinestones on a daily basis." Strictly signs first drag act for 2025 series Meanwhile La Voix - real name Chris Dennis - confessed that despite an extensive performing career, she is not known for being a dancing Queen. She said: "I can't dance, I've always said it's not my thing. "I've managed to get through 20 years of being on stage by standing in the centre and having dancers choreographed around me, now I can't hide behind that any more." Prior to Drag Race, La Voix took part in the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent but failed to reach the live semi-finals. Strictly 2025 rumoured line-up The following stars are rumoured to be taking part in Strictly - plus scroll to see who has been confirmed Angellica Bell: A familiar face on British television, Angellica is a seasoned TV presenter known for her work on shows like CBBC and The One Show. She's no stranger to reality TV, having recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Paul C. Brunson: The charismatic relationship expert and matchmaker from Married At First Sight UK, Paul is known for his insightful advice and warm personality. Swapping the sofa for the samba, he's tipped to bring a touch of class and intelligence to the competition. Vicky Pattison: A reality TV stalwart who first found fame on Geordie Shore, Vicky has successfully transitioned into a presenter and author. Having supported her friend Pete Wicks on the show last year, it seems she's ready to put on her own dancing shoes. Ashley Cain: Former footballer and reality TV star from Ex on the Beach, Ashley has more recently become known for his incredible charity work and campaigning. Stacey Solomon: Known for her down-to-earth charm and successful BBC shows like Sort Your Life Out, fans are eager to see if she can translate her infectious energy to the ballroom. Georgia Toffolo: Best known as "Toff" from Made in Chelsea and for winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017, Georgia is a seasoned reality TV star. Thomas Skinner: The lively entrepreneur who became a fan favourite on The Apprentice in 2019, Thomas is known for his larger-than-life personality and catchphrase "Bosh!". Despite admitting to no dancing experience, he's reportedly "up for giving it his best shot." Tom Parker Bowles: The renowned food writer and critic, and son of Queen Camilla, is a surprising but intriguing name on the rumour list. A regular on MasterChef, it remains to be seen if his culinary precision translates to ballroom finesse. Sir Mo Farah: The legendary Olympic long-distance runner is considered a national treasure. Balvinder Sopal: The talented actress known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, Balvinder would follow a long line of successful soap stars on Strictly. Jake Brown: The winner of The Traitors series three, Jake's name has emerged as a potential contestant. Stefan Dennis: The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985 and now the soap is coming to an end, his schedule is clear. Confirmed Strictly 2025 stars: Ellie Goldstein - Vogue cover model Ellie is the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full Strictly series. As well as her modelling work, she is known for CBBC. George Clarke - Social media star George was the sixth person to be revealed. The influencer isn't the first YouTube star to appear, and follows Saffron Barker and Joe Suggs, Balvinder Sopal - The soap star is the latest EastEnders cast member to sign up to the show. The actress is known for playing Walford matriarch Suki Panesar. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: The former Premier League football striker, famous for his time at Leeds and Chelsea, is another sporting name being linked. Alex Kingston - Actress Alex has joined the line-up and his hoping to emulate the success of her friend Sarah Hadland last year. She is best known for shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders and ER. Dani Dyer: Rising to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018, Dani has remained in the public eye with various TV appearances. The daughter of actor Danny Dyer, she's reportedly agreed to take part. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: Known as "Nitro" from the BBC's Gladiat o rs reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, Harry has already shown off some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. We told how they are expected to dance with a man on the series. The first name to be announced for the 2025 series was Gladiators star Nitro - real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey - who took in the Christmas Special last year. He was quickly followed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who star Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Representing soapland this year is EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar. The sixth celebrity to be confirmed was YouTube star George Clarke. 6 6 6
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing announce seventh and eighth stars in double announcement
BBC Strictly Come Dancing announce seventh and eighth stars in double announcement Strictly Come Dancing have announced the seventh and eighth stars in a double announcement on Wednesday Strictly Come Dancing have announced the next lot of celebrities joining the highly-anticipated 2025 line-up. La Voix and Chris Robshaw were announced as the seventh and eighth stars for Strictly on Scott Mills BBC Radio 2 Show during Wednesday (13 August) show. This is a breaking showbiz story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly to get the latest news, pictures and videos. Article continues below You can also get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Drag Race star La Voix and rugby player Chris Robshaw are the seventh and eighth stars confirmed for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing
Rugby player Chris Robshaw and Drag Race star La Voix have been confirmed as the seventh and eighth contestants for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The pair confirmed their participation in an announcement shared by the show's official Instagram platform on Wednesday morning. George Clarke is the sixth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The YouTuber and podcaster will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September. George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star known to millions online. Born and raised in the UK, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world. Since then he has built a thriving digital career with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice. He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has proven so popular it has led to a series of live shows across the UK. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George said: 'Never thought I'd say this… but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.' The news was revealed on BBC Radio 1's Going Home Drivetime Show this afternoon. George has built up a huge following on TikTok with an impressive 152million fans and has 679 thousand on Instagram. He is also often seen teaming up with TikToker Max Balegde as the pair host their podcast together. Hours before, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal was announced as the fifth contestant to join Strictly 2025 line-up. The actress, 46, who plays Suki Panesar on the BBC soap, was revealed as a cast member live on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday morning. Balvinder will join a Love Island winner, Doctor Who star and a footballing legend, all of whom were recently revealed as the latest three stars confirmed to take part in Strictly. Sharing her joy at being part of the show, Balvinder said: 'Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. 'Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I'm far too excited to put into words how I feel but I'm incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.' Meanwhile the actress, who was speaking to GMB's Richard Arnold from the EastEnders set, told how she had 'dabbled' in dancing in the past but is unsure is she'd actually be 'any good' once on the dancefloor. She explained: 'I can't stop butterflies. Every time I think about it, they just go, so, yeah. 'I dabbled a little bit. I did ballroom and Latin as a kind of hobby, and I really love it. And I think when you've got a passion for something, you're naturally kind of inclined to enjoy it. 'So I'll definitely enjoy it. I don't know if I'll be any good!' Balvinder, who has had a successful acting career spanning theatre, radio, film and television, first joined EastEnders back in 2019. During her six years in Walford, she has been part of a number of gripping storylines including Suki's affair with now-wife Eve Unwin, being part of 'The Six' and her turbulent relationship with villainous husband Nish. Prior to stepping foot on Albert Square, Balvinder made appearances in several huge dramas including Call The Midwife, Doctors and Waterloo Road. Meanwhile, former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, 29, actress Alex Kingston, 62, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, will also take to the dance floor this year, The One Show announced on Monday night. They follow Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who was the first star announced. The daughter of acting legend Danny Dyer, who wed husband Jarrod Bowen this year, shot to fame in 2018 on the ITV2 dating show when she bagged the £50,000 prize with Jack Fincham. Dani said: 'Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! 'I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.' Doctor Who's Alex notably appeared in US drama ER from 1997 to 2005 alongside George Clooney. She also took on a recurring role in Doctor Who, playing River Song - the love interest of Matt Smith's incarnation of the Doctor and the daughter of Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill). Alex briefly reprised her role during Peter Capaldi's stint on the BBC sci-fi show and has also leant her voice to a number of audio releases in the franchise. Alex has previously spoken about her desire to sign up for Strictly, revealing she and her close friend Sarah Hadland - who competed last year - had discussed it. 'Sarah Hadland and I talked about how much we'd like to do Strictly Come Dancing,' she said in 2019. 'Then I discovered she's a trained ballet dancer. "Hang on a minute! That's not fair!" So, I can't do it on a season when she is on it!' Speaking to hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Scott about her upcoming stint, the actress teased: 'My hips don't lie.' Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex England coach said he's looking forward to the challenge. He said: 'Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! 'Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.' The father-of-four was a professional player with Leeds and Middlebrough for two decades before he retied in 2008. Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his alter-ego Nitro, was the first celebrity revealed to taking part in the new series, after competing on the Christmas Special last year. His involvement was revealed in a prank to CBBC Newsround viewers, after the BBC had previously said the first stars taking part would be revealed much later in the day. Flexing his reputation as a star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, 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. His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. Aikines-Aryeetey then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he's taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing! Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. Aikines-Aryeetey has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. He has competed in two Olympic games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion. In 2023, Aikines-Aryeetey was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, and he took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partnered with Nancy Xu. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Aikines-Aryeetey said: '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. '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.' On Sunday it was reported that Natalie Imbruglia and Delta Goodrem are 'in negotiations' to take part in the show. A new report suggested the two Australian stars are both in talks to appear while another former Neighbours star - Stefan Dennis - is also said to be in the running. A source told The Sun: 'Talks are at a point where things could go in a number of different directions but if both celebrities signed up then that would be seen as quite a coup for the show. 'Delta and Natalie would bring some glamour to the programme, and be some of this year's most eagerly anticipated competitors. 'If all three former Neighbours stars end up performing, the Strictly dance floor will end up looking more like Ramsay Street.' Strictly's new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals. One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath. The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker. The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year's show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours. Over the weekend, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show's stars. He told The Sun: 'The main partying is on site at Elstree after filming of the live show has finished. Boozing and drug taking goes on until 3am, sometimes 4am. The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there'. He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior producer told him to 'leave it on my desk' as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow. The staff member also said the show's annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was an especially 'big party night' full of debauchery. 'I was offered cocaine by a star at an after show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel. It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes'. A BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail: '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 shock allegations come amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so. In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly. Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld. When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment. Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour '. Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January. He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones , who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly. Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of. In separate further controversy, it's recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague. The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed 'under review' while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports. A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.
