Latest news with #glitterballtrophy
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Has Strictly FINALLY lost its sparkle? Bookies slash odds of show being cancelled as fans complain about 'boring' cast and fewer women than men sign up after abuse scandals
Strictly Come Dancing was once the jewel in the crown of Saturday night TV with millions of viewers tuning into see their favourite celebrities compete in glamorous costumes for the glitter ball trophy. But now, ahead of the show's upcoming series, bookies are offering odds as low as 8-1 the programme with be the last ever following multiple controversies, a lacklustre line-up of Z-list stars and less women than men agreeing to take part and with good reason. The long-running BBC series has truly lost its sparkle after former contestant Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event, which led to him resigning from the Strictly tour. In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 34, being 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean' during their rehearsals which she said caused her to quit midway through the season. And in the same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing. Now, it appears that female celebrities are too terrified to sign up, with six women appearing on the cast this year compared to nine males, and bosses have certainly lowered the previously high bar with who they allow to take part. The cast this year includes several former reality stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Apprentice candidate Tom Skinner, RuPaul's Drag Race runner-up La Voix, and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Strictly bosses previously banned influencers and reality stars from taking part with now the likes of former Apprentice contestant Tom, who was fired by Lord Sugar in 2019, deemed famous enough to compete, with one Daily Mail reader saying: 'More than half are not celebrities.' And the disappointing line-up hasn't gone unnoticed as thousands of Strictly fans took to platform X to voice their criticisms, with one writing: 'The bottom of the barrel has been well and truly scraped.' Another said: 'The Strictly line-up is complete and it's truly abysmal' as another person wrote: 'This is without a doubt the worst starting line-up. Wondering if the past two years has caused so much damage to its reputation. Is this the beginning of the end?' 'Safe to say this is the worst Strictly line-up of all time,' another user posted. John Hughes commented: 'One of the weakest, most uninspiring 'celebrity' line-ups in years. The show is still having difficulty signing up female contestants, it seems, following previous scandals with male pros. 'Time for Strictly to be rested as a result series and have three or four specials per year?' Commenting on the mundaneness of the cast this year, another user on X said: 'They should do some kind of study to see if the Strictly line-up really does get less glamorous every time because like?' The long-running BBC series has truly lost its sparkle after Wynne Evans was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark (pictured 2025) A TV source added: 'Strictly isn't the show it used to be. It has been hit by scandal after scandal and now it's impossible for it to recover. 'Bosses used to be very particular about the lineup but now celebrities who have previously been on a host of shows, even winning I'm A Celeb in Vicky's case, have been recruited. 'The lack of women in the cast this year says it all, females are afraid to take part due to the controversies of recent years while few changes have been made to ensure safety in the training rooms. 'It's sad because the show was once so loved by viewers of all ages but there's an unavoidable darkness now and insiders even believe this could be the last ever series.' It comes after Strictly was hit with drug allegations after two of the show's stars were allegedly caught taking cocaine and it was widely talked about among the cast. The BBC has launched an investigation this month into the alleged drug taking while last week the Sun on Sunday reported that a 10-year show veteran was previously offered cocaine by one of its stars at a wild party. It's the second successive year where less female contestants have signed up to Strictly after fewer women joined the line-up in 2024. There were nine male celebrities and only six women after Amanda spoke on her experiences having competed on the show. Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison has signed up to the upcoming Strictly series after previously winning ITV's I'm A Celeb During an interview on Channel 4 News in July last year, Amanda described the aftermath of her time on Strictly as 'brutal' and 'unforgiving' after she and her family received death threats from Giovanni fans. She said: 'There were five or six people previous to me that had the same experience. 'It was unnecessary and when it was getting thrown at me I would shut down. I have been in abusive situations before so I recognised the red flags so I would shut down and I wouldn't be able to do the job because I felt attacked... It was not conducive to a happy environment.' TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with Giovanni in 2016, said she felt 'broken' and 'cried everyday' during her time on the show as she supported Amanda with her claim against the Italian pro dancer last year. Following a BBC investigation, six of Amanda's allegations towards Giovanni were upheld and he was cleared on 11 out of 17, and has since gone onto win the Italian version of the competition with his now girlfriend Bianca Guaccero. This year's cast also includes EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, Lioness Karen Carney, Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who made history when she became the first model with Down syndrome to cover British Vogue magazine. Rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will also be taking to the Strictly ballroom next month. BBC bosses will be praying for an unforgettable series to give the show its sparkle back.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025 celebrity line-up in full so far
The race for the coveted glitterball trophy is about to begin once again, as Strictly Come Dancing gears up for its 2025 return. With the BBC unveiling its celebrity contestants one by one, ahead of the show's September launch, anticipation is mounting among fans eager for the hit dance-show's comeback. So far, nine stars have been confirmed for the 2025 line-up, with more names expected to be revealed in the days ahead. Here is everything we know so far and when the new names are announced we'll add them to the list. Meanwhile, for everything Strictly 2025, click here. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey The first contestant to be revealed was Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Known to many as "Nitro" from Gladiators, Harry brings not just star power but incredible fitness and stamina - qualities that could make him a serious contender for the glitterball. Harry's athletic achievements are impressive: a multi-gold winning Team GB sprinter, he made history as the first athlete to claim gold in both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships. His competitive drive was evident early on when he was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. Since then, Harry has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games. But that's not all - he's also competed in two Olympic Games and boasts titles as a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion. For Strictly fans however, the clincher may be the fact that Harry has taken to the Strictly stage before. Much like his predecessors Fleur East and Maisie Smith, Harry has appeared on a Christmas special. The Olympian teamed up with Strictly pro Nancy Xu to perform a lively commercial routine to Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - securing a whopping 38 out of 40. Upon the announcement, Harry said: ""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 dancefloor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track." Dani Dyer Many will recognise Dani Dyer as the eldest daughter of EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer, but she has firmly carved out her own place in the spotlight. Dani first captured the nation's attention on Love Island in 2018, winning hearts with her lively personality and unmistakable London accent. She went on to win the series alongside Jack Fincham, but has since married England football ace Jarrod Bowen. The couple share three children together; Santiago (from Dani's previous relationship) and twins Star and Summer. Last year, fellow Love Island alumna Tasha Ghouri made it all the way to the Strictly final, so fans will be watching to see if Dani can follow in her footsteps. Beyond reality TV, Dani has built a diverse career. She's a published author, with her debut What Would Dani Do? hitting the Sunday Times bestseller list. She has also fronted documentaries like Is This Anxiety?, co-hosts the podcast Live and Let Dyers alongside her father Danny, and starred in the travel show Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy. On top of this, Dani has made guest appearances on EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox - proving she's much more than just a reality star. Dani's involvement was announced during The One Show, hosted by Alex Scott and Roman Kemp. While Dani appeared visibly nervous, she shared her excitement at such a "fun and magical" opportunity. She shared: " "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." Alex Kingston The next contestant to be announced was Alex Kingston, a familiar face to BBC audiences and beyond. With a career spanning over four decades, Alex gained international acclaim as Dr Elizabeth Corday on ER, a role she played for eight years and which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award. Others know her as the iconic River Song, aka The Doctor's Wife, whom she has portrayed alongside three different Doctors across television, audio dramas, and novels. Her impressive TV credits also include a BAFTA-nominated performance in Moll Flanders, and roles in Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow. Alex's stage credentials are just as impressive, with standout performances as Lady Macbeth, Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Prospero for the Royal Shakespeare Company, among many others. Her eclectic roles mean that she is recognised to many different audiences and generations. Following the announcement, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement, with one tweeting, "Alex Kingston saves the #Strictly List," and another saying, 'Alex Kingston is going to be on Strictly? I might actually have to start watching it." One further commented: "ALEX KINGSTON IS DOING STRICTLY I'M GONNA LOSE MY MIND OH MY GOD YES". With the strong fan support, she could already prove to be a fan favourite for the competition. Reflecting on her participation, Alex joked about her dancing skills, admitting she's got "hips that don't lie," before saying, "I'm in my 60s so why not just go for it?" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Next is former professional footballer and manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Known for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, Jimmy enjoyed a celebrated career in the Premier League and across Europe, playing for top clubs including Leeds United, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea. With years of performing in front of thousands of fans, stepping into the Strictly spotlight should be right up his alley. Since hanging up his boots, Jimmy has become a familiar face as a pundit on major UK sports networks, managed clubs such as Burton Albion and Northampton Town, and even served as assistant coach for the England national team. Jimmy was revealed as a contestant during Monday night's episode of The One Show alongside Alex and Dani. During the announcement, Alex Scott reminded him that the furthest a footballer has ever progressed on Strictly was the quarter-finals - a feat she herself achieved alongside professional dancer Neil Jones. Undeterred, Jimmy embraced the challenge. "I am going to do my best - otherwise I'm going to have some serious stick at home," he joked. As a father to daughters, Jimmy shared that Strictly Come Dancing has become a staple in his household and something he's grown to enjoy over the years. On joining the show, Jimmy 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." Balvinder Sopal Another BBC golden girl set to light up the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom is Balvinder Sopal. An accomplished actor whose career spans theatre, radio, film, and television, Balvinder is best known for her portrayal of Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders since 2019. As Suki, she has driven some of the soap's most intense and acclaimed storylines, from her role in the notorious "The Six" to a fiery, on-again-off-again romance with Eve Unwin. With such dramatic flair, Strictly fans can surely expect Balvinder to bring that same passion and intensity to the dance floor. Before becoming a staple on EastEnders, Balvinder showcased her versatility across popular TV dramas, landing a guest lead in Call The Midwife (series seven), as well as appearances on Doctors and Waterloo Road. On joining the Strictly line-up, Balvinder shares: "Being on Strictly is a dream I've held close to my heart, even without knowing if it would ever come true. To work on EastEnders and then step onto the Strictly dance floor - it's genuinely the stuff dreams are made of. I'm buzzing with excitement and can't wait to dance my heart out across the ballroom!" The big reveal came live from Albert Square on August, 12 during ITV's Good Morning Britain. Balvinder confessed she's no stranger to dancing, having enjoyed ballroom and Latin styles as a hobby - especially captivated by the passion and energy of Latin routines. Given the history of soap stars excelling on Strictly with the likes of Jill Halfpenny, Danny Mac, and Kellie Bright all reaching the finals, there's every reason to believe Balvinder could join this prestigious list. George Clarke Perhaps the least well-known of the new contestants so far, George Clarke is the cheeky chappie of YouTube, ready to bring his trademark dry sense of humour to the Strictly dance floor. The 25-year-old began creating video content as a teenager and has since amassed a devoted following across social media, boasting over two million followers. Riding the wave of his online popularity, George now co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast alongside fellow influencer Max Balegde. The podcast's success has sparked a series of live shows across the UK, where the duo have interviewed an eclectic mix of stars - from The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley to Celebrity Big Brother contestant JoJo Siwa. George's announcement has sparked a wave of excitement among fans. One wrote, "the entire british nation is about to fall in love with george clarke and i cant wait." Another added, "it's the year of george clarke ladies and gents. i know for certain i'm not complaining." Meanwhile, an enthusiastic supporter chimed in: "First Taylor announcing her new music and now George Clarke going on Strictly. HELLO?!?!?!" Support also came from former Strictly contestant and fellow YouTuber Joe Sugg, who was runner-up in 2018 alongside his now-girlfriend Dianne Buswell. Joe showed encouragement to George, saying: "YES @georgeclarkeey this is going to be brilliant... I am going to send you a video of me on my first day.. it will prove that miracles can happen." Speaking about his dance experience during the announcement on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday, August 12, George confessed: "I believe I ordered one from a Paso Doble once." He added with typical humour: "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." La Voix La Voix was the seventh celebrity confirmed for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. A performer, singer, and presenter, La Voix competed in the 2024 series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, making history as the first-ever drag performer to take part in Strictly. As the first drag queen to appear on the show, she would also be the first to take home the crown. The announcement was made on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday, August 13. La Voix became a standout on Drag Race, winning four RuPeter Badges and securing a place in the Grand Finale, where she finished as runner-up and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to her mix of comedy, charisma, and musical talent. But her journey doesn't stop there. La Voix has been a familiar face on national television, from dazzling on ITV's Queens For The Night to belting out show-stopping performances on Paramount's Queen of the Universe. She also made an impact as a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, where Alesha Dixon called her "a force to be reckoned with." Her big-screen appearances include Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and with her live show, La Voix Meets, she's interviewed a host of stars like Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, and Vanessa Feltz. Notably, she's performed for the British Royal Family at their exclusive New Year's Eve ball for two years running. Now, La Voix is ready to bring her unique blend of talent to the Strictly ballroom, alongside her dance partner, performer Chris Dennis. Viewers will get to see more of the real La Voix, beyond her larger-than-life stage persona. Reflecting on her upcoming appearance, La Voix says, "I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse." Chris Robshaw Next up is Chris Robshaw, former England rugby union player and captain. Chris is widely recognised for his achievements on the rugby field. He joined his childhood club, Harlequins RFC, straight out of school and was appointed captain at just 23 years old. Chris earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016. On the club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins, leading the team through their most successful era and becoming the only player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award twice. Chris's winning mentality, honed through years of high-pressure competition, will likely serve him well in the Strictly ballroom. Known for his focus, discipline, and determination, he's no stranger to pushing himself to new limits, which could give him a competitive edge as he takes on the challenge of dance. The announcement was made this morning on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. Ahead of his appearance, Chris said: "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." Ellie Goldstein Ellie Goldstein is the ninth celebrity confirmed for the upcoming series. A pioneering model, actor, and influencer, Ellie made history in 2023 as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue. Her trailblazing career has seen her grace the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag, and Euphoria magazines, while also featuring in major campaigns for global brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas. In an incredible milestone, in 2021, Ellie partnered with Mattel to launch the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome, an iconic moment in both the fashion and toy industries. Recently, she has turned her attention to acting, with a guest lead role in the popular CBBC series Malory Towers. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly this year. It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin" The announcement was made on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday, August 13. When asked about who she'd love to be paired with, Ellie didn't hold back, saying: "The best partner is Nikita (Kuzmin). I love him! I want him, please, I love him so much." While it's yet to be revealed who Ellie will be dancing with, she made it clear that Nikita is her top choice. In a lighthearted moment, she explained: "Because he's good looking! He's got a heartwarming, loving smile, making me happy. He's sexy, hot, fit - all the things for me!" Ellie's infectious energy and lively personality are sure to endear her to audiences, and with her history of breaking barriers, could Strictly be another stage for her to make history once again? Her determination and passion for embracing new challenges suggest she could be one to watch this season. Contestants are still being announced and we will add names as they are made public.
BBC News
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gladiator Nitro tells Newsround he's taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Gladiator Nitro has been announced on BBC Newsround as the first contestant on Strictly Come Dancing dancing show will be back this autumn as celebs dance with pro-dancers, with the winning couple getting their hands on the famous glitterball - real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - has shown SOME of his skills before when he took part in the 2024 Strictly Christmas told Newsround presenter Jenny that he's "buzzin" and he's "so excited, I cannot wait." Who is Nitro? Nitro, or Harry, is a former athlete and sprinter who represented England and was British 100m represented Team GB and the 2014 Olympics and took part in World Championships, European Championships and in three Commonweath 2023 he has been part of the Gladiators Team on BBC missed the second season through injury but starred on the CBBC prank show, Gladiators: Epic Pranks, 2024 he danced with pro Nancy Xu in the Christmas special of Strictly Come won't be the first Gladiator to show their dancefloor moves after Montell Douglas - also known as Fire - came sixth in Strictly 2024. Harry arrived to the Newsround studio in disguise with sunglasses a fake goatee beard and a beanie hat before revealing himself as the first contestant announced for Strictly 2025. After taking off his disguise to make the announcement Harry said: "I think I'm looking forward to, obviously, just being part of the process, maybe dressing up a little bit, learning new skills. I'm one of those people that I'm a sponge, so put in an environment where I can learn something new, I'm over the moon."Chatting on Newsround's purple sofa with Jenny he added that he hopes to get some advice from Gladiator Fire, AKA Montell Douglas who appeared on the show last year. "She did amazingly firstly, and I cannot wait to actually pick up the phone and firstly tell her and then say, "Help me." During their chat, Jenny asked Harry if there's anything that scares him about being in the dancing contest: "There's a few dances that I'm a little bit wary of," Nitro said. "Anything that's slow, slow is not something that I'm about." Harry, who competed at the Rio Olympic Games for Great Britain in 2016, said his sprint training will help with the hard demands of Strictly. "I'm used to training in one aspect, so I'll be able to focus in with the skills that I have, but it's a different type of training, isn't it? So I'm gonna be able to apply myself, physically, but can I deal with the mental aspect and the emotional side of it? It is gonna be different."Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
