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Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
All celebrities rumoured for Strictly 2025 line-up including reality TV icon
Following the success of Strictly Come Dancing 2024, in which Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lifted the Glitter Ball trophy, rumours are already swirling around who will be next to take part. It remains to be seen who will take to the dancefloor when the BBC show returns later this year, with some suspecting a former winner of The Traitors could be joining the cast. Our line-up of professional dancers has been confirmed, with all last year's favourites returning, plus the addition of two new pros to come. But who will they be teaching how to tango? Among the current rumoured lineup is reality TV darling and Danny Dyer's one and only daughter – Dani Dyer. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Let's take a look at the rest… It has been a big year for Love Island winner Dani Dyer after she tied the knot with her footballer fiancé Jarrod Bowen in a fairytale wedding. After reigning triumph in the world of romance, it looks like she is set to swap the bouquet out for dance shoes so she can hit the ballroom floor later this year on Strictly. 'Bosses are thrilled she's agreed to take part and are ironing out her fee. 'She's bubbly, down-to-earth and straight-talking and producers reckon she'll make an ideal contestant – not to mention the bonus of having Jarrod and dad Danny in the audience supporting her,' an insider told The Sun. If she makes it to the final line-up then she'll be miles ahead of her father aka EastEnders star Danny who has sworn off the show. 'I get offered to do Strictly every year, and it's not for me. I've got no desire to be mincing around in sequins,' he told The Sun last year. Jake Brown launched himself into reality TV stardom after winning the third season of The Traitors, sharing the prize with other winner Leanne Quigley. Speaking to The Sun, a source said that getting Jake in the line-up would be ideal: 'Strictly bosses think Jake would be the perfect fit for this year's line-up. 'He's a good guy, as viewers saw by his journey on The Traitors – so he will be popular with the fanbase and they love to cross-promote with other huge BBC shows.' Strictly Come Dancing has seen an increasing number of reality stars in its line-ups in recent years, while also featuring more dancers with disabilities. Jake has been open about his cerebral palsy, with the source adding that his inclusion could be 'inspiring to see how he tackles the dancefloor with a disability'. Queen Camilla's eldest son Tom Parker-Bowles, 50, is reportedly top of Strictly's wishlist. A food critic and writer, the Royal is no stranger to TV, having appeared on various culinary formats including BBC's MasterChef. King Charles' stepson's other TV credits include ITV's Food Glorious Food, Australian cooking series The Hot Plate, and Good Food Channel's Market Kitchen. According to a source, Tom was approached by Strictly last year, but the plan fell through. Bosses are hoping for better luck now as his signing would be a real 'coup.' They told The Mirror: 'Top of their wishlist is MasterChef star Tom. His name was also sounded out last year but never materialised. Bosses hope they'll have better luck this year. 'It would be a coup to sign someone with such a strong royal link. Maybe we could see Camilla and Charles in the audience?' Tom's father is Queen Camilla's ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles. He also has a sister, art curator Laura Lopes. Ex On The Beach star Ashley Cain could appear on Strictly after catching the eye of BBC bosses. The reality TV star, 34, reportedly made a list of stars producers would like to appear on the next season of the show. 'He's a proper character with a very interesting background that looks the part,' a source told The Mirror. 'He would be a great addition to the Strictly lineup. He's presented a couple of shows and has really impressed.' The former footballer previously said he would like to take part in Strictly as a tribute to his late daughter Azaylia, who died in 2021 at eight months old after suffering from leukaemia. Ashley and his former partner, Safiyya Vorajee, raised more than £1.5million for Azaylia's treatment before her death and have since continually raised awareness and money for charity. 'Me and my family are known for dancing. That's what we do,' he told The Sun last year. 'When I had my daughter in hospital, when she was poorly, any time that she used to be feeling poorly or she was going through chemotherapy, I used to hold her in my arms, and I used to dance with her. 'And I'd dance with her for hours and hours and hours and hours. So something like Strictly would relate to me in a sense where I would love to do a Lion King-themed dance. 'I would love to be able to tell my story on such an amazing platform that could reach out to so many incredible people.' The X Factor alum Stacey Solomon is believed to have caught the eye of Strictly bosses, who are keen to sign her up. It's thought she first landed on their radar after winning a National Television Award for her BBC One series Sort Your Life Out in September. She also has a whopping online following of over six million, with fans obsessed with her life at Pickle Cottage with husband Joe Swash and their kids. A source told The Sun: 'Stacey is a hit with viewers thanks to her lovable personality. The BBC always want to showcase their own talent on Strictly, and Stacey's show has already bagged them an NTA. 'Fans will also love watching her husband Joe Swash in the audience cheering her on every week.' Stacey would surely be open to the conversation should the Strictly phone call come, having expressed her love for the show in the past, despite not being the best dancer. 'I would never say never, but I am a terrible dancer, an absolutely terrible dancer. I don't know why, but I have no rhythm when it comes to movement,' she said in 2022. 'I have rhythm with singing or listening to music, but when it comes to moving my feet, I am left-footed; I have two left feet!' However, she's a self-professed Strictly fanatic, declaring herself 'obsessed with the costumes'. 'Also, I would love to learn a new skill like that. I love learning anything, to be honest,' added the Loose Woman. 'I'd be one of those people who would go out in week 1, and they'd be like, 'Well, that was a waste of time!'' Last series, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland wowed viewers and the judges with her dancing talents, reaching the grand final with her pro partner, Vito Coppola. Throughout the series, she was inundated with support from her celebrity pals and co-stars, most notably Miranda Hart herself, who gave the nation a gorgeous surprise by sitting front row in the studio. She even made her way into the VT one week, taking her pet pooch to visit Sarah and Vito in rehearsals and cheer them on. Miranda made no secret of the fact that she was Sarah's biggest cheerleader, sharing a video to Instagram each weekend for motivation and joking about being her sidekick's teacher. So, it's no surprise people want the star to take part in Strictly next time, now that she's returned to the public eye after battling chronic health issues for some time. People even want her to follow directly in Sarah's footsteps and be paired with Vito. Miranda galloping her way onto the Strictly dancefloor is not a want, but a need . Strictly fans also have their eyes on Big Brother 2023 finalist Yinrun Huang for the upcoming series. The foodie influencer has gained a following of hundreds of thousands with her online content since finishing fourth in the first outing of ITV's reboot. Her cooking videos have repeatedly gone viral, as have her dancing videos with husband Luke. There's one video in particular that got people talking, though, as she performed the Charli XCX Apple dance with Strictly professionals Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu. Proving herself to have natural rhythm, Yinrun has now been backed to take things one step further and compete in Strictly. '@bbcstrictly get her signed up!', commented @hmn_028 on her vid. 'Keep dancing , see you on Strictly next year', echoed @dancingmags68. She was invited down to the show last year and has remained close pals with Nancy, specifically over the past few months, so if there's such a thing as a Strictly Easter egg, we reckon this could be it. If this rumour is true, Angellica Bell is in for a busy year! She started off 2025 strong by heading into the Celebrity Big Brother house with the likes of JoJo Siwa, Mickey Rourke, Chris Hughes, Jack P. Shepherd, Donna Preston, and Patsy Palmer. The CBBC star is, of course, no stranger to live TV, having started out on children's telly before moving to co-host with Martin Lewis, so we have no doubt she'd ace it under the pressure of Strictly. According to reports, Angellica was a 'reserve' for last year's series, just like when Kelvin Fletcher took over from Jamie Laing in 2019 when he got injured and had to pull out. More Trending But now, Angellica is hoping to be an original cast member. 'So when I've had like, in-depth conversations with people who are my friends and they say it's great,' Angellica previously told The Sun, 'I would definitely go from their recommendation.' A version of this article was originally published on April 20. View More » Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The BBC can't justify still showing Mrs Brown's Boys MORE: Controversial BBC series viewers called 'abysmal' confirms return is weeks away MORE: Doctor Who legend takes swipe at 'grumpy old fans' of BBC series
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Strictly rumoured contestant breaks silence weeks before line-up confirmed
As the BBC prepares to announce the celebrity line-up for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, one rumoured star has addressed speculation that they're set to appear on the show A potential participant for this year's Strictly Come Dancing has responded to rumours that a major change in the show's format could see them take to the dance floor. The judging panel - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke - will be back to critique the performances of the new celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners. Meanwhile, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are set to continue their roles as hosts. In April, the BBC revealed the roster of professional dancers for the 2025 series, with the announcement of the celebrity participants anticipated in the near future. The upcoming series will see professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk make a comeback to the dance floor. They will be joined by Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaz Skorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola, according to Manchester Evening News. Although the beloved dance programme won't return to BBC One until September, fans only have a few weeks left to wait until the celebrity line-up for the 2025 series is unveiled. However, one name has already been thrown into the mix, hinting at a significant shift in the selection process for Strictly contestants. Rumours are swirling that The Traitors champ Jake Brown might be waltzing onto Strictly, hinting at a possible shift in the show's stance on reality TV personalities. Jake, who clinched victory on the hit gameshow alongside Leanne Quigley, has been taken aback by whispers of him donning his dancing shoes for the beloved ballroom competition. In a playful Instagram clip, he voiced his astonishment: "What's this?'" and proceeded to read a social media snippet: "According to The Sun, Traitors series three winner is swapping the castle for the dance floor." The video then showed Jake calling out to his wife, Shannon, before the pair were seen giving their best twirls to the iconic Strictly jingle.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Backstage drama feeds the comedy in ‘The Understudy'
'We are always looking for new collaborators,' says Elias, 'but they have to be ready and willing to roll with the punches.' Advertisement The company, which is also distinguished by its 'pay-what-you-can' policy for all performances (which keeps their productions accessible), mounts three productions each season, two in the fall and winter at the Boston Center for the Arts and one during the summer at Club Café. Advertisement ''The Understudy' is our fifth summer production here,' says Elias. 'It's a fun place with a great vibe, and the Club Café staff have been wonderful partners. The room encourages us to create a more immersive theater experience for our audiences.' And while the Club Café space doesn't have the bells and whistles of traditional theaters (there's a limited lighting grid and no wing space), award-winning actor and director Paula Plum, who has worked with the company since their inaugural season, says Hub has a team that makes magic happen. 'Lighting designer Emily Bearce has worked wonders with limited instruments, Justin Lahue has created evocative projections for the walls of the theater, and Peyton Tavares's set is very flexible,' she says. ''The Understudy' has a kind of 'Play That Goes Wrong' vibe,' says Elias, 'so our creative solutions to three set changes and exits and entrances through the audience add to the fun.' The action takes place at an understudy rehearsal on the stage of the Broadway premiere of a newly discovered play by Franz Kafka. Jake (Cristhian Mancinas-García) is a B-list action film actor trying to boost his credibility with the Broadway gig. He shares the stage with the never-seen Bruce, a megastar who makes 10 times Jake's salary. Harry (Kevin Paquette), an actor struggling to find work, has been cast as Bruce's understudy, but also happens to have jilted the stage manager weeks before their wedding six years ago. 'I have been so excited by the on-stage chemistry between the two men,' Plum says. 'That's not always something you can predict, but Cristhian is very skilled at physical comedy and Kevin's reactions increase the humor.' Advertisement As the characters work through the scenes in the absurdist Kafka play (which appears to be a cross between 'The Castle' and 'The Trial') the two build a begrudging friendship. This places even more pressure on Roxanne, who is trying to stay calm through the chaos created by a stoned board operator while navigating the emotional upheaval caused by Kevin's appearance and Jake's interest in her. Rebeck's script doesn't shy away from drama with a capital D, and the absurdity of a life in the theater. Plum says that beneath the humor lies real insight into 'what it really means to deal with an acting career. There's a lot of heartbreak and disappointment,' she says. A speech where Harry claims he's not bitter 'exposes all the anxiety and neuroses of lots of actors.' Navigating all the emotional extremes might seem to demand a firm directorial hand, but Plum says she follows her instincts, and Elias describes it as 'adjusting the barometer.' 'Really,' says Plum, 'when you have great actors, my role becomes making sure the technical aspects of the play work smoothly.' As she looks ahead to more Hub seasons, Elias says three shows a year feels right, despite growing audience interest in Hub's work. 'In the early days, people would come to the show because they knew someone in it, 'she says. 'Now, more and more, I'm seeing repeat customers, people who came to one show and want to see what we are doing next. That's gratifying.' That word-of-mouth success is something that anyone would be lucky to understudy. THE UNDERSTUDY Presented by Hub Theatre Company of Boston, at Club Café, 209 Columbus Ave, Boston, July 19-Aug. 2. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Audiences receive 20% off Club Café food bill. Advertisement
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Influencer Maia Knight Welcomes Third Baby, Her First with Husband Jake
NEED TO KNOW Maia Knight is a mom again! The influencer has welcomed her third baby, her first with husband Jake, sharing the news on her social media channels Knight's new addition joins her twin daughters, Violet and ScoutMaia Knight has welcomed her little one! The influencer, 29, has welcomed her third baby, her first with husband Jake, sharing the news on her social media channels. In one snap, the newly minted mom of three posted a picture of her twin daughters Violet and Scout, 3, whom she welcomed in a past relationship, getting to know their new baby sibling. In another snap, Knight nurses her newborn baby, joking that the pair were "just hanging out in our diapers." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Back in February, the influencer announced she was pregnant and expecting her third baby, sharing the news on Instagram with a video of her taking a pregnancy test. Shortly after, she posted a TikTok video showing her baby bump and revealing that she's "halfway through" her pregnancy. "Now that you guys know, I feel like I can post again," she said in the TikTok video. "I literally have not been posting because I didn't want to give it away. I wanted it to be like a surprise or whatever, but I didn't know when I wanted to post it and I've just been so afraid that I was going to give something away." While Knight said that she didn't have heavy cravings during her pregnancy at the time, she was drinking "loaded waters" every day. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! "I wouldn't really call it a craving, but I've been drinking really really diluted orange juice, which normally would sound horrible to me, but it's so good." she said in a TikTok video. This past April, Knight announced that she'd tied the knot with her partner Jake. "A day to remember🤍💐," the soon-to-be mom of three wrote in the caption of an Instagram post. Knight and her husband posed together in the snow, wearing a wedding dress and a suit. Her two daughters were also pictured, holding flowers. Read the original article on People
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly set to sign up The Traitors winner as they scrap ‘no reality star' rule
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing are set to sign up The Traitors UK winner Jake Brown for the upcoming series. Jake, who was a Faithful on series three of the BBC show, is now ready to dazzle on the dancefloor, according to a source. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Strictly are set to sign up The Traitors winner Jake Brown Credit: BBC 3 A source said bosses are keen to break their 'no reality star' rule to welcome Jake Credit: BBC Bosses have previously waived their "no reality star" rule to welcome Love Islanders Tasha Ghouri and Zara McDermott to the show, and it looks like they will be doing the same for Traitors star Jake. A source told us: "Strictly bosses think Jake would be the perfect fit for this year's line-up. "He's a good guy, as viewers saw by his journey on The Traitors, so he will be popular with the fanbase and they love to cross-promote with other huge BBC shows." Jake, who has cerebral palsy, has been open about his disability in the past and would make a good role model for the show. "Jake has also overcome a lot of adversity in his life with his cerebral palsy, so it will really be inspiring to see how he tackles the dancefloor with a disability," the source continued. "As previous contestants like Rose Ayling Ellis, Tasha Ghouri, JJ Chalmers, Lauren Steadman and, of course, Chris McCausland have proved, being disabled can be a superpower on this show." A BBC spokesperson said: 'We don't comment on speculation.' Cumbria lad Jake won the show alongside with former soldier Leanne Quigley triumphed as the last remaining faithfuls. Jake revealed he had cerebral palsy at the end of the series. He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "I know the struggles of having a disability growing up and I was very ashamed of it. Neighbours legend become latest star to sign for Strictly Come Dancing after soap ending leaves him free to take part "I tried to hide it and wanted to be normal, but once I'd met fellow people with cerebral palsy and started playing football for the England cerebral palsy football team, I realised actually I'm doing a disservice here. "It's something to be proud of. He added: "I don't want another six-year-old boy sat at home thinking 'I hate this disability, I want to be normal'." Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. It's usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. Usually, the symptoms of cerebral palsy aren't obvious immediately after a baby is born, but they tend to become noticeable during the first two or three years of a child's life. What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is a muscular condition which affects an estimated 30,000 children in the UK and an additional 1,800 children diagnosed each year. It's the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. According to the NHS, symptoms can include: delays in reaching development milestones – eg. not sitting up by eight months or not walking by 18 months seeming too stiff or too floppy weakness in arms or legs jerky or clumsy movements walking on tip-toes swallowing difficulties speaking problems learning disabilities The severity of symptoms can vary – some of those with the condition only experience minor problems, while others may be severely disabled.
