Strictly Come Dancing feels like it's ages away, so thank you to the BBC for keeping us going by releasing this photograph of the professional dancers in training.
The pros don't even know who they'll be competing with yet, but they're already hitting the dance studios to keep limber (and pose for pictures, obviously).
The BBC posted the snap on Twitter and pointed out that it's our first glimpse at new pros Otlile Mabuse, Giovanni Pernice and Dancing with the Stars alum Gleb Savchenko.
The photo also shows Ola Jordan looking in good health after she picked up a knee injury during training for Channel 4's The Jump at the end of last year; she later admitted that she feared she might never walk again.
The gang are back together with new pro-dancers @otlile_mabuse @Gleb_Savchenko & @pernicegiovann1#keeeeepdancing pic.twitter.com/kmHXgxYMlV
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) August 3, 2015
And Kristina Rihanoff...
The pros don't even know who they'll be competing with yet, but they're already hitting the dance studios to keep limber (and pose for pictures, obviously).
The BBC posted the snap on Twitter and pointed out that it's our first glimpse at new pros Otlile Mabuse, Giovanni Pernice and Dancing with the Stars alum Gleb Savchenko.
The photo also shows Ola Jordan looking in good health after she picked up a knee injury during training for Channel 4's The Jump at the end of last year; she later admitted that she feared she might never walk again.
The gang are back together with new pro-dancers @otlile_mabuse @Gleb_Savchenko & @pernicegiovann1#keeeeepdancing pic.twitter.com/kmHXgxYMlV
— BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) August 3, 2015
And Kristina Rihanoff...
- 8/4/2015
- Digital Spy
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump isn't done with the ballroom just yet - she wants to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
Vanderpump was a contestant during 2013's Dancing with the Stars, where she became the second celebrity to be voted off.
In an interview with Lifetime, she said: "I would do [Strictly Come Dancing].
"It's definitely an experience, that's for sure… I saw today on Twitter that my dance partner Gleb Savchenko, who is lovely, is going to England to do Strictly.
"He's gorgeous, people are going to love him."
Savchenko is joined by 2012 Italian champion Giovanni Pernice and eight-time South African Latin-American winner Otlile Mabuse in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Iveta Lukosiute and Trent Whiddon won't be returning for this year's competition.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs in the UK on Lifetime.
Vanderpump was a contestant during 2013's Dancing with the Stars, where she became the second celebrity to be voted off.
In an interview with Lifetime, she said: "I would do [Strictly Come Dancing].
"It's definitely an experience, that's for sure… I saw today on Twitter that my dance partner Gleb Savchenko, who is lovely, is going to England to do Strictly.
"He's gorgeous, people are going to love him."
Savchenko is joined by 2012 Italian champion Giovanni Pernice and eight-time South African Latin-American winner Otlile Mabuse in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Iveta Lukosiute and Trent Whiddon won't be returning for this year's competition.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs in the UK on Lifetime.
- 4/27/2015
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing has axed Iveta Lukosiute and Trent Whiddon from the 2015 lineup.
The pair won't return to the ballroom this year, but three new professional dancers will be taking their place.
"I really enjoyed my experience on Strictly Come Dancing," said Lukosiute, who had appeared in the last three series.
"I loved everything about the show, dancers, judges, BBC, celebrities, fans - all of it was a pleasure to be a part of... This year, I will focus more on my dance school in New York City, since I was away so much. However, I will be more than happy to stay involved with the show in the future."
Whiddon said: "I was very happy to be part of last season and very thankful for the opportunity."
Russian-born Gleb Savchenko, 2012 Italian champion Giovanni Pernice and eight-time South African Latin-American champion Otlile Mabuse join the roster for the upcoming new series,...
The pair won't return to the ballroom this year, but three new professional dancers will be taking their place.
"I really enjoyed my experience on Strictly Come Dancing," said Lukosiute, who had appeared in the last three series.
"I loved everything about the show, dancers, judges, BBC, celebrities, fans - all of it was a pleasure to be a part of... This year, I will focus more on my dance school in New York City, since I was away so much. However, I will be more than happy to stay involved with the show in the future."
Whiddon said: "I was very happy to be part of last season and very thankful for the opportunity."
Russian-born Gleb Savchenko, 2012 Italian champion Giovanni Pernice and eight-time South African Latin-American champion Otlile Mabuse join the roster for the upcoming new series,...
- 4/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Anton Du Beke has joined the Strictly Come Dancing live tour judging panel.
The dancer and presenter will join Craig Revel Horwood, Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup on the panel at Liverpool's Echo Arena (February 3 and 4) and The Sse Arena Wembley (February 5 and 6).
It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball hosts the Strictly live tour, and this year's pairings are as follows:
Caroline Flack with Tristan MacManus
Simon Webbe with Kristina Rihanoff
Rachel Stevens with Kevin Clifton
Mark Wright with Karen Hauer
Alison Hammond with Aljaž Skorjanec
Thom Evans with Iveta Lukosiute
Scott Mills with Joanne Clifton
The 31-date arena run kicked off at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena on January 16.
It will conclude on February 8 at the O2 London.
Flack was named winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2014. The former Xtra Factor host was partnered to victory by Pasha Kovalev.
The dancer and presenter will join Craig Revel Horwood, Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup on the panel at Liverpool's Echo Arena (February 3 and 4) and The Sse Arena Wembley (February 5 and 6).
It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball hosts the Strictly live tour, and this year's pairings are as follows:
Caroline Flack with Tristan MacManus
Simon Webbe with Kristina Rihanoff
Rachel Stevens with Kevin Clifton
Mark Wright with Karen Hauer
Alison Hammond with Aljaž Skorjanec
Thom Evans with Iveta Lukosiute
Scott Mills with Joanne Clifton
The 31-date arena run kicked off at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena on January 16.
It will conclude on February 8 at the O2 London.
Flack was named winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2014. The former Xtra Factor host was partnered to victory by Pasha Kovalev.
- 1/27/2015
- Digital Spy
Thom Evans has enthused about Strictly Come Dancing's Mark Wright's surprising ballroom dancing skills.
The rugby star, who with professional partner Iveta Lukosiute became the fourth couple to exit the show in October this year, revealed he was impressed with dancing novice and reality TV star Wright.
Speaking to Digital Spy and others at The Sun's Military Awards in London last night (December 10), Evans admitted he couldn't predict a winner due to all the talent, saying: "This year the standard is so high, and the remaining contestants – any one of them can really win it.
"I'm really happy to see Mark doing so well because he's had no dancing experience whatsoever but you know, I can't call it at all."
When asked if he was annoyed that Judy Murray was still in the show after he left, he added: "No. I mean, I think Judy – she brought so much enjoyment in her own.
The rugby star, who with professional partner Iveta Lukosiute became the fourth couple to exit the show in October this year, revealed he was impressed with dancing novice and reality TV star Wright.
Speaking to Digital Spy and others at The Sun's Military Awards in London last night (December 10), Evans admitted he couldn't predict a winner due to all the talent, saying: "This year the standard is so high, and the remaining contestants – any one of them can really win it.
"I'm really happy to see Mark doing so well because he's had no dancing experience whatsoever but you know, I can't call it at all."
When asked if he was annoyed that Judy Murray was still in the show after he left, he added: "No. I mean, I think Judy – she brought so much enjoyment in her own.
- 12/11/2014
- Digital Spy
The lineup for the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced.
The festive edition of the show will feature six returning celebrities from previous series performing a pantomime-inspired yuletide routine with professional dancers.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, while Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor will be dancing together.
Rachel Stevens has been coupled with Tristan MacManus. Meanwhile, Louis Smith is hitting the dance floor with Aliona Vilani.
Chris Hollins's partner will be Iveta Lukosiute, and Russell Grant is paired with Joanne Clifton.
The special will air on Christmas Day.
Rufus Hound and Flavia Cacace won the one-off show in 2013. Their waltz earned them 38 points from the judges.
The current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (November 15) at 7pm on BBC One.
The festive edition of the show will feature six returning celebrities from previous series performing a pantomime-inspired yuletide routine with professional dancers.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, while Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor will be dancing together.
Rachel Stevens has been coupled with Tristan MacManus. Meanwhile, Louis Smith is hitting the dance floor with Aliona Vilani.
Chris Hollins's partner will be Iveta Lukosiute, and Russell Grant is paired with Joanne Clifton.
The special will air on Christmas Day.
Rufus Hound and Flavia Cacace won the one-off show in 2013. Their waltz earned them 38 points from the judges.
The current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday (November 15) at 7pm on BBC One.
- 11/13/2014
- Digital Spy
We have added a set pictures from the event SeriousFun Children’s Network 2014 London Gala.Guests included Stephen Belafonte and Melanie Brown, Lizzie Cundy, Melanie Brown, Ola Jordan, Maggie Weston and Terry Gilliam, Jo Wood, Clea Newman, Harrison Ford, Nick Ede and Melanie Brown, Iveta Lukosiute, James Jordan, Ady Topol and Chaim Topol.Photos are copyright by Landmark / PR Photos.
- 11/7/2014
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
Frankie Bridge and Thom Evans are the first celebrities confirmed for the 'Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2015'.
The Saturdays singer and the former international rugby player will embark on the extensive run of live dates in January.
She's Defying Gravity and he's Hot, Hot, Hot... our first celebrity dancers are... @FrankieTheSats and @ThomEvans11 http://t.co/TJo6OyB7qo
— SCD_Live_Tour (@SCD_Live_Tour) November 4, 2014
It has also been confirmed that the tour will be hosted by Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball.
Tickets for the tour went on sale back in September priced at £35 to £65, except London's O2, priced at £36 to £66.
Full details of the 31 tour dates are below:
January 16-18 - Birmingham: The Nia (Friday 16 at 7.30pm, Saturday 17 at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 18 at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
January 20-21 - Nottingham: The Capital FM Arena (Tuesday 20 at 7.30pm, Wednesday 21 at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
January 22-...
The Saturdays singer and the former international rugby player will embark on the extensive run of live dates in January.
She's Defying Gravity and he's Hot, Hot, Hot... our first celebrity dancers are... @FrankieTheSats and @ThomEvans11 http://t.co/TJo6OyB7qo
— SCD_Live_Tour (@SCD_Live_Tour) November 4, 2014
It has also been confirmed that the tour will be hosted by Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball.
Tickets for the tour went on sale back in September priced at £35 to £65, except London's O2, priced at £36 to £66.
Full details of the 31 tour dates are below:
January 16-18 - Birmingham: The Nia (Friday 16 at 7.30pm, Saturday 17 at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday 18 at 1.30pm & 6.30pm)
January 20-21 - Nottingham: The Capital FM Arena (Tuesday 20 at 7.30pm, Wednesday 21 at 2.30pm & 7.30pm)
January 22-...
- 11/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute have become the fourth couple to exit this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The former professional rugby player and his dance partner found themselves in the dance-off against Blue popstar Simon Webbe and his partner Kristina Rihanoff on Sunday's (October 26) results show.
The couples in the dance-off were determined by a combination of the results of the viewer vote and the judges' scores from Saturday's (October 25) live show.
Evans and Lukosiute performed their cha-cha to Jessie J's 'It's My Party', which scored 27 on Saturday's show and placed the couple ninth on the leaderboard of 12 couples.
Webbe and Rihanoff reprised their Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen, which received 28 points on Saturday and earned the pair eighth place.
The judges were split on their decision, with Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell choosing to save Evans and Lukosiute, while Bruno Tonioli...
The former professional rugby player and his dance partner found themselves in the dance-off against Blue popstar Simon Webbe and his partner Kristina Rihanoff on Sunday's (October 26) results show.
The couples in the dance-off were determined by a combination of the results of the viewer vote and the judges' scores from Saturday's (October 25) live show.
Evans and Lukosiute performed their cha-cha to Jessie J's 'It's My Party', which scored 27 on Saturday's show and placed the couple ninth on the leaderboard of 12 couples.
Webbe and Rihanoff reprised their Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen, which received 28 points on Saturday and earned the pair eighth place.
The judges were split on their decision, with Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell choosing to save Evans and Lukosiute, while Bruno Tonioli...
- 10/26/2014
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy readers have decided that Caroline Flack gave the best performance during yesterday's (October 25) Strictly Come Dancing.
Flack and her professional partner Pasha Kovalev received 25.50% of votes for their Paso Doble, which scored 34 and landed them in second place last night.
This is the first time Digital Spy readers have voted Flack in first place.
EastEnders star Jake Wood got the second-highest number of votes with 16.58%. His Quickstep with Janette Manrara scored 31 from the judges and put him in fifth position on the leaderboard.
Pixie Lott, who ended up in first place in last night's show, earned 15.26% of DS votes for her 35-point Samba, putting her in third place in the reader poll.
Mark Wright's Samba landed him with 33 points, as well as 9.54% of reader votes in the poll. This places him third on the leaderboard and fourth in the poll.
Frankie Bridge claims fifth place in the...
Flack and her professional partner Pasha Kovalev received 25.50% of votes for their Paso Doble, which scored 34 and landed them in second place last night.
This is the first time Digital Spy readers have voted Flack in first place.
EastEnders star Jake Wood got the second-highest number of votes with 16.58%. His Quickstep with Janette Manrara scored 31 from the judges and put him in fifth position on the leaderboard.
Pixie Lott, who ended up in first place in last night's show, earned 15.26% of DS votes for her 35-point Samba, putting her in third place in the reader poll.
Mark Wright's Samba landed him with 33 points, as well as 9.54% of reader votes in the poll. This places him third on the leaderboard and fourth in the poll.
Frankie Bridge claims fifth place in the...
- 10/26/2014
- Digital Spy
Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon came top of the leaderboard this Saturday (October 25) on Week Five of Strictly Come Dancing with their samba.
Len Goodman said he was ready to get his maracas out after the pair's fun and energetic performance to 'I Yi Yi Yi Yi (I Like You Very Much)' by Edmundo Ros.
All the judges gave positive feedback, awarding the duo a score of 8,9,9,9 – a total of 35.
Bruno Tonioli called the dance a "tutti-frutti, high-camp extravaganza".
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev came second, with a total of 34 points, and Mark Wright and Karen Hauer were third on the leaderboard with 33.
At the bottom of the leaderboard were Judy Murray and Anton du Beke, with a score of 18. The pair performed the Charleston to 'Varsity Drag' by Pasadena Roof Orchestra.
Len said: "You're having so much fun, it was a joy to watch."
While Bruno laughed and...
Len Goodman said he was ready to get his maracas out after the pair's fun and energetic performance to 'I Yi Yi Yi Yi (I Like You Very Much)' by Edmundo Ros.
All the judges gave positive feedback, awarding the duo a score of 8,9,9,9 – a total of 35.
Bruno Tonioli called the dance a "tutti-frutti, high-camp extravaganza".
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev came second, with a total of 34 points, and Mark Wright and Karen Hauer were third on the leaderboard with 33.
At the bottom of the leaderboard were Judy Murray and Anton du Beke, with a score of 18. The pair performed the Charleston to 'Varsity Drag' by Pasadena Roof Orchestra.
Len said: "You're having so much fun, it was a joy to watch."
While Bruno laughed and...
- 10/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Thom Evans ''doesn't want a relationship'' as he plans to launch his acting career. The former rugby player - who is currently starring in 'Strictly Come Dancing' - has previously denied reports that he's dating his professional dance partner Iveta Lukosiute and now a source has revealed that the star is hoping to stay single as he attempts to break Hollywood. An insider told Star magazine: ''Thom is very fond of Iveta and of course he finds her attractive, but right now they're keeping things very professional. ''After 'Strictly' Thom plans to move into acting and is hoping to pursue a career in...
- 10/24/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Thom Evans was eliminated from 'Strictly Come Dancing' tonight (26.10.14). The former rugby player, 29, has become the latest celebrity to be given the boot from the BBC One show after he and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute lost the dance-off against Simon Webbe. The hunky star and his stunning partner performed their Cha-Cha-Cha to 'It's My Party' by Jessie J but only managed to wow two judges, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell, with the energetic routine as Bruno Tonioli and head judge Len Goodman preferred the Blue singer and Kristina Rihanoff's Viennese Waltz to Queen's 'Somebody to Love.'...
- 10/23/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
We're already into the fifth week of Strictly Come Dancing live shows, so things are getting very serious indeed. We've lost Tim Wonnacott, but the big question is who will be following him out of the ballroom?
Well, there are 12 celebrities left in the competition, so read on to find out what they'll be dancing - and what they'll be dancing to - in an attempt to win your votes on Saturday...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Addicted To You' - Avicii
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Paso Doble
Song: 'Live and Let Die' - Paul McCartney & Wings
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Foxtrot
Song: 'Daydream Believer' - The Monkees
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'I'm Still Standing' - Elton John
Judy Murray & Anton Du Beke
Dance: Charleston
Song: 'Varsity Drag' - Pasadena Roof Orchestra
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Dance: Samba
Song:...
Well, there are 12 celebrities left in the competition, so read on to find out what they'll be dancing - and what they'll be dancing to - in an attempt to win your votes on Saturday...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Addicted To You' - Avicii
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Paso Doble
Song: 'Live and Let Die' - Paul McCartney & Wings
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Foxtrot
Song: 'Daydream Believer' - The Monkees
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'I'm Still Standing' - Elton John
Judy Murray & Anton Du Beke
Dance: Charleston
Song: 'Varsity Drag' - Pasadena Roof Orchestra
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Dance: Samba
Song:...
- 10/22/2014
- Digital Spy
Thom Evans ''doesn't want a relationship'' as he plans to launch his acting career. The former rugby player - who is currently starring in 'Strictly Come Dancing' - has previously denied reports that he's dating his professional dance partner Iveta Lukosiute and now a source has revealed that the star is hoping to stay single as he attempts to break Hollywood. An insider told Star magazine: ''Thom is very fond of Iveta and of course he finds her attractive, but right now they're keeping things very professional. ''After 'Strictly' Thom plans to move into acting and is hoping to pursue a career in...
- 10/22/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Movie Week is over - and so is Jennifer Gibney's time in the competition - but the show must go on with Strictly Come Dancing.
There's no rest for the celebs, who are straight into training for their next tricky routines. But what are they dancing, and which songs are they getting? Read on for all the details...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance: Samba
Song: 'Bootylicious' - Destiny's Child
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'We Go Together' from Grease
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Cha Cha
Song: 'Call Me Maybe' - Carly Rae Jepsen
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Jive
Song: 'All Shook Up' - Elvis Presley
Judy Murray & Anton du Beke
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Jealousy' - Billy Fury
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'Tiger Feet' - Mud
Pixie Lott & Trent Whiddon
Dance: Rumba
Song: 'Stay With Me' - Sam Smith
Scott Mills...
There's no rest for the celebs, who are straight into training for their next tricky routines. But what are they dancing, and which songs are they getting? Read on for all the details...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance: Samba
Song: 'Bootylicious' - Destiny's Child
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'We Go Together' from Grease
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Cha Cha
Song: 'Call Me Maybe' - Carly Rae Jepsen
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Jive
Song: 'All Shook Up' - Elvis Presley
Judy Murray & Anton du Beke
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Jealousy' - Billy Fury
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'Tiger Feet' - Mud
Pixie Lott & Trent Whiddon
Dance: Rumba
Song: 'Stay With Me' - Sam Smith
Scott Mills...
- 10/15/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing might have said goodbye to Gregg Wallace, but there are still 14 celebrities hoping to show their stuff in Movie Week on Saturday (October 11).
Will Jake continue his impressive streak, or will he begin to falter? Can Jennifer bounce back from being in the dance off last week? It remains to be seen, but why not try to guess from the Movie Week songs and dances - we have all the details below...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance: Jive
Song: 'Footloose' from, erm, Footloose
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Rumba
Song: 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' from Armageddon
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Paso Doble
Song: 'America' from West Side Story
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Waltz
Song: 'The Godfather Waltz' from, you guessed it, The Godfather
Jennifer Gibney & Tristan MacManus
Dance: Foxtrot
Song: 'Mamma Mia' from, yep, Mamma Mia
Judy Murray and Anton du Beke...
Will Jake continue his impressive streak, or will he begin to falter? Can Jennifer bounce back from being in the dance off last week? It remains to be seen, but why not try to guess from the Movie Week songs and dances - we have all the details below...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Dance: Jive
Song: 'Footloose' from, erm, Footloose
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Rumba
Song: 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' from Armageddon
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Paso Doble
Song: 'America' from West Side Story
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Waltz
Song: 'The Godfather Waltz' from, you guessed it, The Godfather
Jennifer Gibney & Tristan MacManus
Dance: Foxtrot
Song: 'Mamma Mia' from, yep, Mamma Mia
Judy Murray and Anton du Beke...
- 10/8/2014
- Digital Spy
We're well into the swing of things on Strictly Come Dancing now! Everyone's got the tricky first dance out of the way, but the stakes are very much being raised this weekend, as viewers can now vote to save their favourites.
As it stands, Frankie and Jake are sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard - but needing to gain a few points are Tim, Judy, Jennifer, Gregg and poor Scott Mills, who has the lowest score of 16. Of course, everything could change this week - but it hinges on the dances and songs. So let's see what we're getting...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Current score: 26
Dance: Foxtrot
Song: 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You' - Etta James
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Current score: 27
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Blame' - Calvin Harris and John Newman
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Current score: 30
Dance: Charleston
Song: Happy Days theme
Gregg Wallace...
As it stands, Frankie and Jake are sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard - but needing to gain a few points are Tim, Judy, Jennifer, Gregg and poor Scott Mills, who has the lowest score of 16. Of course, everything could change this week - but it hinges on the dances and songs. So let's see what we're getting...
Alison Hammond & Aljaz Skorjanec
Current score: 26
Dance: Foxtrot
Song: 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You' - Etta James
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Current score: 27
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Blame' - Calvin Harris and John Newman
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Current score: 30
Dance: Charleston
Song: Happy Days theme
Gregg Wallace...
- 10/2/2014
- Digital Spy
Thom Evans has said that he is excited to unleash his sexiness during his next Strictly Come Dancing routine.
The rugby star promised that the salsa would allow him to impress the judges more than his waltz, after he scored 24 out of a possible 40.
"I can't wait to do the salsa, I think the uptempo song will bring out the sexiness in me, that Bruno was talking about," Evans told Zoe Ball on BBC Two's It Takes Two.
The 29-year-old joked that he was looking forward to having an opportunity to "shake those hips".
His partner Iveta Lukosiute added: "He's a very fun guy, actually, so I think in salsa you'll get to see his fun side of his personality."
Discussing his routine at the weekend, Evans admitted that he had let his "nerves get the better of [him]", explaining that he had "messed up a bit", which had been...
The rugby star promised that the salsa would allow him to impress the judges more than his waltz, after he scored 24 out of a possible 40.
"I can't wait to do the salsa, I think the uptempo song will bring out the sexiness in me, that Bruno was talking about," Evans told Zoe Ball on BBC Two's It Takes Two.
The 29-year-old joked that he was looking forward to having an opportunity to "shake those hips".
His partner Iveta Lukosiute added: "He's a very fun guy, actually, so I think in salsa you'll get to see his fun side of his personality."
Discussing his routine at the weekend, Evans admitted that he had let his "nerves get the better of [him]", explaining that he had "messed up a bit", which had been...
- 9/30/2014
- Digital Spy
Friday night's Strictly opener got off to a dazzling start with the great (Pixie Lott, Jake Wood and Caroline Flack) and the not-so-great (Scott Mills) providing us with excitement, drama and a few laughs.
This evening, the remaining nine celebrities hit the dance floor for the first time with their pro partners. Frankie Bridge, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe and Gregg 'Buttery Biscuit Base' Wallace are among those hoping to impress us with their cha chas, jives and waltzes.
20:27So that's all folks. Time for a breather and a chance to look back at all my dreadful spelling and grammar during the evening. Apologies for that! It's been lovely working on Strictly again. Please let us know who you think was the best in the comments below.
20:26Looking back at all the dances now, Mark Wright's performance is looking more impressive than most. Especially considering his personality is...
This evening, the remaining nine celebrities hit the dance floor for the first time with their pro partners. Frankie Bridge, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe and Gregg 'Buttery Biscuit Base' Wallace are among those hoping to impress us with their cha chas, jives and waltzes.
20:27So that's all folks. Time for a breather and a chance to look back at all my dreadful spelling and grammar during the evening. Apologies for that! It's been lovely working on Strictly again. Please let us know who you think was the best in the comments below.
20:26Looking back at all the dances now, Mark Wright's performance is looking more impressive than most. Especially considering his personality is...
- 9/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing has unveiled the first song and dance list of the series.
The celebrities will take to the floor for the first live show this weekend, and we now know what songs they'll be performing to - and, more importantly, which dances they'll be attempting.
Read on for the full list of songs and dances you can expect on Friday and Saturday:
Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec - Cha Cha to 'I'm Every Woman' (Chaka Khan)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev - Cha Cha to 'Can You Feel It?' (The Jacksons)
Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton - Waltz to 'Someone Like You' (Adele)
Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani - Cha Cha to 'Hot N Cold' (Katy Perry)
Jake Wood and Janette Manrara - Tango to 'Toxic' (Britney Spears)
Jennifer Gibney and Tristan MacManus - Jive to 'Happy' (Pharrell Williams)
Judy Murray and Anton du Beke...
The celebrities will take to the floor for the first live show this weekend, and we now know what songs they'll be performing to - and, more importantly, which dances they'll be attempting.
Read on for the full list of songs and dances you can expect on Friday and Saturday:
Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec - Cha Cha to 'I'm Every Woman' (Chaka Khan)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev - Cha Cha to 'Can You Feel It?' (The Jacksons)
Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton - Waltz to 'Someone Like You' (Adele)
Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani - Cha Cha to 'Hot N Cold' (Katy Perry)
Jake Wood and Janette Manrara - Tango to 'Toxic' (Britney Spears)
Jennifer Gibney and Tristan MacManus - Jive to 'Happy' (Pharrell Williams)
Judy Murray and Anton du Beke...
- 9/24/2014
- Digital Spy
Iveta Lukosiute was ''unable to speak'' when she was partnered with Thom Evans on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The professional dancer has been paired with the former rugby pro and model on the current series of the BBC One celebrity dance contest and she's confessed she didn't expect to get him because ''all the girls'' wanted him. She told Hello! magazine: ''All the girls wanted to have Thom as their partner. ''I wanted Thom so much that I didn't expect to get him. I was so happy when they announced he was my partner that I was unable to speak. I felt it...
- 9/23/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
The Strictly Come Dancing 2014 pairings have been revealed.
During tonight's (September 7) launch show, the 15 famous faces who will be taking to the dancefloor, discovered which professional dancer would be guiding them throughout the series.
The launch show featured a special performance from Strictly Come Dancing 2013 champion Abbey Clancy and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as musical performances from 5 Seconds of Summer, Imelda May and Smokey Robinson.
Sir Bruce Forsyth also made a special return, in which he officially handed over the presenting baton to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Digital Spy presents the Strictly Come Dancing 2014 pairs below:
Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton
Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani
Jake Wood and Janette Manrara
Jennifer Gibney and Tristan MacManus
Judy Murray and Anton Du Beke
Mark Wright and Karen Hauer
Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon
Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton...
During tonight's (September 7) launch show, the 15 famous faces who will be taking to the dancefloor, discovered which professional dancer would be guiding them throughout the series.
The launch show featured a special performance from Strictly Come Dancing 2013 champion Abbey Clancy and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as musical performances from 5 Seconds of Summer, Imelda May and Smokey Robinson.
Sir Bruce Forsyth also made a special return, in which he officially handed over the presenting baton to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Digital Spy presents the Strictly Come Dancing 2014 pairs below:
Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton
Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani
Jake Wood and Janette Manrara
Jennifer Gibney and Tristan MacManus
Judy Murray and Anton Du Beke
Mark Wright and Karen Hauer
Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon
Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton...
- 9/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Ready to dazzle us again this autumn, series 12 of Strictly Come Dancing is on the horizon.
15 more celebrities are preparing to strap on some sequins and slap on the fake tan, all in the name of Saturday night entertainment.
Here's everything we know so far about the biggest British TV show's return:
1. When is it back?
The BBC are always particularly coy and prickly about confirming the start dates of TV shows, but a simple look at the official site for audience tickets reveals that the first two shows of the series will air on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27.
The Launch Show will air, as usual, three weeks earlier. Due to some funny little show called Tumble, it looks like the Launch Show will air on a Sunday this year, on September 7.
That is the show where the celebrities meet the partners for the first time, and it's also...
15 more celebrities are preparing to strap on some sequins and slap on the fake tan, all in the name of Saturday night entertainment.
Here's everything we know so far about the biggest British TV show's return:
1. When is it back?
The BBC are always particularly coy and prickly about confirming the start dates of TV shows, but a simple look at the official site for audience tickets reveals that the first two shows of the series will air on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27.
The Launch Show will air, as usual, three weeks earlier. Due to some funny little show called Tumble, it looks like the Launch Show will air on a Sunday this year, on September 7.
That is the show where the celebrities meet the partners for the first time, and it's also...
- 8/26/2014
- Digital Spy
Artem Chigvintsev and James Jordan will not be returning for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Former champion and 2013 finalist Chigvintsev has decided to stay in America, after featuring on the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars.
Meanwhile, Jordan has decided to leave after eight series on the show. His wife Ola is confirmed to return.
Strictly also confirmed that - in a first for the programme - two siblings will be participating, with the addition of Joanne Clifton.
Clifton, a World Professional Ballroom Show Dance Champion, joins her brother Kevin on the show. Kevin was an eventual finalist last year with Susanna Reid.
Also joining the professional lineup is Tristan MacManus, who previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars and has danced with Gladys Knight and Pamela Anderson.
Eight female and seven male professional dancers will feature in the 2014 series, with Natalie Lowe returning after withdrawing...
Former champion and 2013 finalist Chigvintsev has decided to stay in America, after featuring on the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars.
Meanwhile, Jordan has decided to leave after eight series on the show. His wife Ola is confirmed to return.
Strictly also confirmed that - in a first for the programme - two siblings will be participating, with the addition of Joanne Clifton.
Clifton, a World Professional Ballroom Show Dance Champion, joins her brother Kevin on the show. Kevin was an eventual finalist last year with Susanna Reid.
Also joining the professional lineup is Tristan MacManus, who previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars and has danced with Gladys Knight and Pamela Anderson.
Eight female and seven male professional dancers will feature in the 2014 series, with Natalie Lowe returning after withdrawing...
- 6/1/2014
- Digital Spy
Mark Benton was eliminated from 'Strictly Come Dancing' tonight (01.12.13). The 48-year-old actor and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute lost out in a dance-off against 'Hollyoaks' star Ashley Taylor Dawson, 31, and his professional partner Ola Jordan, but admitted he wasn't surprised by the result because he felt he ''couldn't complete'' with his remaining celebrity rivals on the BBC series. He said: ''I feel fine actually because if I'm brutally honest I think it was right for me to go. ''If I'd have stayed and Ashley had gone out it would've been wrong. All the guys are all so good - obviously I...
- 12/1/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Mark Benton has been voted out of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Waterloo Road actor becomes the ninth celebrity to leave the BBC One competition, following Ben Cohen's departure last week.
Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute found themselves in the bottom two for the fourth week running, alongside Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ola Jordan, after the public votes were combined with last night's judges' scores.
The two couples repeated their dances from Saturday to stay in the competition. Benton and Lukosiute performed a samba to 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King' from Disney's The Lion King, while Taylor Dawson and Jordan performed a rumba to 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli sealed Benton's fate after they each opted to save Ashley and Ola. Head judge Len Goodman revealed that he would also have sent Benton home.
Reflecting on his time on the show,...
The Waterloo Road actor becomes the ninth celebrity to leave the BBC One competition, following Ben Cohen's departure last week.
Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute found themselves in the bottom two for the fourth week running, alongside Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ola Jordan, after the public votes were combined with last night's judges' scores.
The two couples repeated their dances from Saturday to stay in the competition. Benton and Lukosiute performed a samba to 'I Just Can't Wait To Be King' from Disney's The Lion King, while Taylor Dawson and Jordan performed a rumba to 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli sealed Benton's fate after they each opted to save Ashley and Ola. Head judge Len Goodman revealed that he would also have sent Benton home.
Reflecting on his time on the show,...
- 12/1/2013
- Digital Spy
BBC One has confirmed the song choices and dance styles for this weekend's musical-themed edition of Strictly Come Dancing.
Last weekend, Ben Cohen was eliminated from the competition after facing Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance-off.
This Saturday (November 30) will see the remaining seven celebrities and their professional partners dancing to songs from hit musicals in an attempt to impress the judges and the viewers.
The songs and dance styles in full are as follows:
Ashley and Ola - Rumba to 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin
Patrick and Anya - Charleston to 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
Abbey and Aljaz - Salsa to 'You Should Be Dancing' from Saturday Night Fever
Sophie and Brendan - Viennese waltz to 'My Favourite Things' from The Sound of Music
Mark and Iveta - Samba to 'I Just Can't Wait to be King' from The Lion King
Susanna...
Last weekend, Ben Cohen was eliminated from the competition after facing Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance-off.
This Saturday (November 30) will see the remaining seven celebrities and their professional partners dancing to songs from hit musicals in an attempt to impress the judges and the viewers.
The songs and dance styles in full are as follows:
Ashley and Ola - Rumba to 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin
Patrick and Anya - Charleston to 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
Abbey and Aljaz - Salsa to 'You Should Be Dancing' from Saturday Night Fever
Sophie and Brendan - Viennese waltz to 'My Favourite Things' from The Sound of Music
Mark and Iveta - Samba to 'I Just Can't Wait to be King' from The Lion King
Susanna...
- 11/29/2013
- Digital Spy
Ben Cohen has been voted out of Strictly Come Dancing.
The rugby star becomes the eighth celebrity to leave the BBC One competition, following Fiona Fullerton's departure last week.
Cohen and his partner Kristina Rihanoff found themselves in the bottom two for the first time, alongside Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute, after the public votes were combined with last night's judges' scores.
Benton survived the dance-off for a third time, after remaining in the competition at the expense of Hairy Biker Dave Myers and Fullerton in recent weeks.
The two couples repeated their dances from Saturday to stay in the competition. Cohen and Rihanoff performed a charleston to 'No Diggity' by Minimatic, while Benton and Lukosiute performed a foxtrot to Michael Bublé's 'It's a Beautiful Day'.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Cohen, while Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli voted to save the former Waterloo Road star,...
The rugby star becomes the eighth celebrity to leave the BBC One competition, following Fiona Fullerton's departure last week.
Cohen and his partner Kristina Rihanoff found themselves in the bottom two for the first time, alongside Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute, after the public votes were combined with last night's judges' scores.
Benton survived the dance-off for a third time, after remaining in the competition at the expense of Hairy Biker Dave Myers and Fullerton in recent weeks.
The two couples repeated their dances from Saturday to stay in the competition. Cohen and Rihanoff performed a charleston to 'No Diggity' by Minimatic, while Benton and Lukosiute performed a foxtrot to Michael Bublé's 'It's a Beautiful Day'.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Cohen, while Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli voted to save the former Waterloo Road star,...
- 11/24/2013
- Digital Spy
BBC One has confirmed the song choices and dance styles for this weekend's edition of Strictly Come Dancing.
Last weekend, Fiona Fullerton was eliminated from the competition after facing Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance-off.
This Saturday (November 23) will see the eight remaining contestants returning to the Strictly ballroom after last week's trip to Blackpool.
The songs and dance styles in full are as follows:
Ashley and Ola - Waltz to 'I Will Always Love You' by Claudia Streza
Patrick and Anya - Viennese Waltz to 'A New Day Has Come' by Celine Dion
Abbey and Aljaz - Paso Doble to 'You Got The Love' by Florence and the Machine
Sophie and Brendan - Rumba to 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' by Amy Winehouse
Mark and Iveta - Foxtrot to 'It's a Beautiful Day' by Michael Bublé
Susanna and Kevin - Cha Cha Cha...
Last weekend, Fiona Fullerton was eliminated from the competition after facing Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance-off.
This Saturday (November 23) will see the eight remaining contestants returning to the Strictly ballroom after last week's trip to Blackpool.
The songs and dance styles in full are as follows:
Ashley and Ola - Waltz to 'I Will Always Love You' by Claudia Streza
Patrick and Anya - Viennese Waltz to 'A New Day Has Come' by Celine Dion
Abbey and Aljaz - Paso Doble to 'You Got The Love' by Florence and the Machine
Sophie and Brendan - Rumba to 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' by Amy Winehouse
Mark and Iveta - Foxtrot to 'It's a Beautiful Day' by Michael Bublé
Susanna and Kevin - Cha Cha Cha...
- 11/21/2013
- Digital Spy
Fiona Fullerton has been voted out of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 57-year-old, who was partnered with Anton du Beke on the BBC One dance show, became the seventh celebrity to leave the competition during tonight's (November 17) Blackpool special.
Fullerton and du Beke faced actor Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance-off. It was Benton's second time in the bottom two and Fullerton's first.
Fullerton and Benton then danced again for judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.
After the performances, Revel Horwood voted to save Fullerton, while Bussell and Tonioli chose to save Benton. Head judge Goodman had the casting vote, describing the decision as "very close" before choosing to send home Fullerton.
Of her experience on the show, Fullerton said: "It's been the most amazing trip. I can't thank you enough, or the producers at the BBC, for asking me to take part in this show.
The 57-year-old, who was partnered with Anton du Beke on the BBC One dance show, became the seventh celebrity to leave the competition during tonight's (November 17) Blackpool special.
Fullerton and du Beke faced actor Mark Benton and his partner Iveta Lukosiute in the dance-off. It was Benton's second time in the bottom two and Fullerton's first.
Fullerton and Benton then danced again for judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.
After the performances, Revel Horwood voted to save Fullerton, while Bussell and Tonioli chose to save Benton. Head judge Goodman had the casting vote, describing the decision as "very close" before choosing to send home Fullerton.
Of her experience on the show, Fullerton said: "It's been the most amazing trip. I can't thank you enough, or the producers at the BBC, for asking me to take part in this show.
- 11/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Susanna Reid has finished top of Digital Spy's latest Strictly Come Dancing reader poll.
The BBC newsreader and her partner Kevin Clifton topped the DS vote for a second week, with over 8,000 votes cast since the end of last night's (November 16) Blackpool show.
The couple attracted 48.71% of this week's vote for their paso doble, which received a score of 39 from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli.
Former Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede and professional partner Artem Chigvintsev polled second, receiving 14.18% of the vote.
The couple - who matched Reid's score of 39 - performed for the first time in two weeks following their absence from last week's show after Gumede fell ill during rehearsals.
Ashley Taylor-Dawson and Ola Jordan finished in third place, with their paso doble impressing 10% of DS readers. They received a score of 35 from the judges last night.
Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec...
The BBC newsreader and her partner Kevin Clifton topped the DS vote for a second week, with over 8,000 votes cast since the end of last night's (November 16) Blackpool show.
The couple attracted 48.71% of this week's vote for their paso doble, which received a score of 39 from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli.
Former Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede and professional partner Artem Chigvintsev polled second, receiving 14.18% of the vote.
The couple - who matched Reid's score of 39 - performed for the first time in two weeks following their absence from last week's show after Gumede fell ill during rehearsals.
Ashley Taylor-Dawson and Ola Jordan finished in third place, with their paso doble impressing 10% of DS readers. They received a score of 35 from the judges last night.
Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec...
- 11/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Dave Myers has been voted out of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Hairy Biker is the sixth celebrity to leave the BBC One competition, following Rachel Riley's departure last week.
Mark Benton and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute were also in the bottom two with Myers and Karen Hauer, after the judges' scores and viewers' votes were combined.
The two couples repeated their dances from Saturday to stay in the competition. Myers and Hauer performed a tango to 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' by The Proclaimers, while Benton and Lukosiute performed their rumba to 'Goldfinger' by Shirley Bassey.
Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli each chose to save Benton. However, head judge Len Goodman stated that he would have voted differently by saving Myers.
Looking back on his time in the show, Myers said: "I've had the time of my life, I've met some wonderful friends,...
The Hairy Biker is the sixth celebrity to leave the BBC One competition, following Rachel Riley's departure last week.
Mark Benton and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute were also in the bottom two with Myers and Karen Hauer, after the judges' scores and viewers' votes were combined.
The two couples repeated their dances from Saturday to stay in the competition. Myers and Hauer performed a tango to 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' by The Proclaimers, while Benton and Lukosiute performed their rumba to 'Goldfinger' by Shirley Bassey.
Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli each chose to save Benton. However, head judge Len Goodman stated that he would have voted differently by saving Myers.
Looking back on his time in the show, Myers said: "I've had the time of my life, I've met some wonderful friends,...
- 11/10/2013
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing's Mark Benton has prepared for his next routine with the help of a break dancer.
The Waterloo Road star and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute sought the help of break dancer Vitamin for some tips about how to dance to hip-hop.
> 'Strictly Come Dancing' week four song list and dance styles revealed
The pair will dance the cha-cha to Mc Hammer's 'U Can't Touch This' on Saturday night's (October 19) show.
During the session, Benton said: "I think this is really going to help us with our little street sections of our dance.
"When Vitamin does it, it looks really cool and you get the feel of it more, and hopefully we can take a lot of that into Saturday."
Meanwhile, model Abbey Clancy visited an army assault course to work on her "core strength" ahead of her Tango, after her energy was criticised...
The Waterloo Road star and his professional partner Iveta Lukosiute sought the help of break dancer Vitamin for some tips about how to dance to hip-hop.
> 'Strictly Come Dancing' week four song list and dance styles revealed
The pair will dance the cha-cha to Mc Hammer's 'U Can't Touch This' on Saturday night's (October 19) show.
During the session, Benton said: "I think this is really going to help us with our little street sections of our dance.
"When Vitamin does it, it looks really cool and you get the feel of it more, and hopefully we can take a lot of that into Saturday."
Meanwhile, model Abbey Clancy visited an army assault course to work on her "core strength" ahead of her Tango, after her energy was criticised...
- 10/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Has the training been tougher or easier than you thought?
"It's been more difficult I think. You see the pros and they make it look so effortless and then you do it and there's so many different things going on. First you've got the steps, then you've got the frame, then you've got to put some character into it."
I think people were quite surprised to see you on the show. Have there been moments you've questioned what on earth you're doing?
"Reality telly is something I've normally stayed clear of, but this is such an uplifting show I thought, 'What the hell, why don't I try to learn something new?'
"There have been times where I've caught myself wondering whether I'm going to end up looking daft. When I'm sweating and Iveta looks amazing. But that's all part of the challenge, that makes it all worthwhile."
Have you seen your costume yet?...
"It's been more difficult I think. You see the pros and they make it look so effortless and then you do it and there's so many different things going on. First you've got the steps, then you've got the frame, then you've got to put some character into it."
I think people were quite surprised to see you on the show. Have there been moments you've questioned what on earth you're doing?
"Reality telly is something I've normally stayed clear of, but this is such an uplifting show I thought, 'What the hell, why don't I try to learn something new?'
"There have been times where I've caught myself wondering whether I'm going to end up looking daft. When I'm sweating and Iveta looks amazing. But that's all part of the challenge, that makes it all worthwhile."
Have you seen your costume yet?...
- 9/27/2013
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing series 11 launched with a glitzy opening episode tonight (September 7), which featured this year's 15 celebrities getting partnered up with professional dancers.
Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly helped match up this year's celebrity dancers, who also performed a group routine together for the first time.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor was the first celeb to get partnered up, teaming with Strictly bad boy Brendan Cole. Rachel Riley was treated to the Countdown theme music before finding out that she would be dancing with two-time finalist Pasha Kovalev.
Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden will be tamed by Robin Windsor and Peter Crouch's wife Abbey Clancy has been teamed with new Strictly pro Aljaz Skorjanec.
Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor Dawson had the most dramatic reacation of the night, pretending to fall on the floor in shock when it was revealed that he would be dancing with Ola Jordan.
The 15 celebrity and pro pairings...
Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly helped match up this year's celebrity dancers, who also performed a group routine together for the first time.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor was the first celeb to get partnered up, teaming with Strictly bad boy Brendan Cole. Rachel Riley was treated to the Countdown theme music before finding out that she would be dancing with two-time finalist Pasha Kovalev.
Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden will be tamed by Robin Windsor and Peter Crouch's wife Abbey Clancy has been teamed with new Strictly pro Aljaz Skorjanec.
Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor Dawson had the most dramatic reacation of the night, pretending to fall on the floor in shock when it was revealed that he would be dancing with Ola Jordan.
The 15 celebrity and pro pairings...
- 9/7/2013
- Digital Spy
It might be series 11 and it might be a dodgy-looking lineup (some bloke from Casualty and Tony Jacklin - seriously?), but there's still something special and exciting about the return of Strictly Come Dancing to Saturday nights.
From the moment Bruce Forsyth delivers his first absolute clanger of a gag (Think Glastonbury, think Stone Henge... you'll see the punchline coming a mile off) during Wednesday night's pre-record, I was reassured that series 11 was going to brighten up my Saturdays just like the previous 10.
It doesn't try to be cool, it doesn't Shout About How Great It Is In A Peter Dickson Voice and it doesn't have Sharon Osbourne cackling, but it does ooze warmth and charm, feature a Hairy Biker dressed up like a shiny giant tomato and have Bruno Tonioli bouncing around like Kenneth Williams on a spacehopper.
If you're not already excited enough about the return of the sequins and sparkles,...
From the moment Bruce Forsyth delivers his first absolute clanger of a gag (Think Glastonbury, think Stone Henge... you'll see the punchline coming a mile off) during Wednesday night's pre-record, I was reassured that series 11 was going to brighten up my Saturdays just like the previous 10.
It doesn't try to be cool, it doesn't Shout About How Great It Is In A Peter Dickson Voice and it doesn't have Sharon Osbourne cackling, but it does ooze warmth and charm, feature a Hairy Biker dressed up like a shiny giant tomato and have Bruno Tonioli bouncing around like Kenneth Williams on a spacehopper.
If you're not already excited enough about the return of the sequins and sparkles,...
- 9/7/2013
- Digital Spy
The full Strictly Come Dancing series 11 trailer has been released, featuring all 15 of this year's celebrities.
Watch the new full trailer for Strictly Come Dancing:
Abbey Clancy, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ben Cohen are among the stars that appear open-mouthed in the promo as they watch the show's professional dancers performing mind-blowing moves on the dancefloor.
Strictly launches this Saturday (September 7) at 6.50pm on BBC One.
Jessie J and Rod Stewart are the special musical guest performers, while last year's series champions Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace will also return for a special performance.
This year's pro dancers include five new faces - Anya Garnis, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara, Kevin Clifton and Aljaz Skorjanec - while Ola and James Jordan, Brendan Cole, Anton du Beke, Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor, Karen Hauer and Aliona Vilani all return.
Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell all return to this year's judging panel.
Watch the new full trailer for Strictly Come Dancing:
Abbey Clancy, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ben Cohen are among the stars that appear open-mouthed in the promo as they watch the show's professional dancers performing mind-blowing moves on the dancefloor.
Strictly launches this Saturday (September 7) at 6.50pm on BBC One.
Jessie J and Rod Stewart are the special musical guest performers, while last year's series champions Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace will also return for a special performance.
This year's pro dancers include five new faces - Anya Garnis, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara, Kevin Clifton and Aljaz Skorjanec - while Ola and James Jordan, Brendan Cole, Anton du Beke, Kristina Rihanoff, Robin Windsor, Karen Hauer and Aliona Vilani all return.
Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Darcey Bussell all return to this year's judging panel.
- 9/4/2013
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing has officially unveiled its 2013 lineup of celebrities.
15 celebrities, including a former Bond girl, stars of Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Casualty, and superstars from the world of rugby and golf are among this year's competitors.
Leading the lineup of famous faces on the dancefloor are BBC Breakfast's Susanna Reid, 'Murder on the Dancefloor' popstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen.
Other stars shaking their stuff for the public will include soaps trio Ashley Taylor Dawson (Hollyoaks), Natalie Gumede (Coronation Street) and Patrick Robinson (Casualty).
Waterloo Road actor Mark Benton and one half of the Hairy Bikers Dave Myers will also be aiming to impress with their best silky moves.
Countdown's Rachel Riley and model Abbey Clancy will be bringing some glamour to BBC One on Saturday nights, while fashion designer Julien Macdonald will also be hoping to showcase some glittery costumes.
Some of the more...
15 celebrities, including a former Bond girl, stars of Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Casualty, and superstars from the world of rugby and golf are among this year's competitors.
Leading the lineup of famous faces on the dancefloor are BBC Breakfast's Susanna Reid, 'Murder on the Dancefloor' popstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen.
Other stars shaking their stuff for the public will include soaps trio Ashley Taylor Dawson (Hollyoaks), Natalie Gumede (Coronation Street) and Patrick Robinson (Casualty).
Waterloo Road actor Mark Benton and one half of the Hairy Bikers Dave Myers will also be aiming to impress with their best silky moves.
Countdown's Rachel Riley and model Abbey Clancy will be bringing some glamour to BBC One on Saturday nights, while fashion designer Julien Macdonald will also be hoping to showcase some glittery costumes.
Some of the more...
- 9/2/2013
- Digital Spy
BBC One has announced plans for a behind-the-scenes special for Strictly Come Dancing.
Lisa Riley will host the Strictly Red Carpet Exclusive programme, which will take viewers backstage as the 11th series launches in September.
The show will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button from Wednesday, September 4, the day after the red carpet launch.
Riley will interview the 2013 celebrity lineup and speak to the new professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Anya Garnis, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara and Kevin Clifton.
The 20-minute special is part of the BBC's plans to bring exclusive content to the iPlayer service.
A total of 15 celebrities - eight women and seven men - will take part in the 11th series of Strictly.
Vanessa Feltz has been announced as the first celebrity to be involved in this year's run.
Strictly Come Dancing will launch on Saturday, September 7 on BBC One.
Strictly Come Dancing...
Lisa Riley will host the Strictly Red Carpet Exclusive programme, which will take viewers backstage as the 11th series launches in September.
The show will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button from Wednesday, September 4, the day after the red carpet launch.
Riley will interview the 2013 celebrity lineup and speak to the new professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Anya Garnis, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara and Kevin Clifton.
The 20-minute special is part of the BBC's plans to bring exclusive content to the iPlayer service.
A total of 15 celebrities - eight women and seven men - will take part in the 11th series of Strictly.
Vanessa Feltz has been announced as the first celebrity to be involved in this year's run.
Strictly Come Dancing will launch on Saturday, September 7 on BBC One.
Strictly Come Dancing...
- 8/29/2013
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing will have 15 celebrities in its 11th series, and the professional dancers who will be teaching them have now all been confirmed.
Newcomer Anya Garnis is the final name to be added to the lineup of pros for the ballroom dance competition.
Returning to the show from last year are Brendan Cole, Anton du Beke, James Jordan, Robin Windsor, Artem Chigvintsev, Pasha Kovalev, Ola Jordan, Kristina Rhianoff, Natalie Lowe and Karen Hauer.
Joining the pros are Russian dancer Garnis, Janette Manrara, Iveta Lukosiute, Aljaz Skorjanec and Kevin Clifton.
Full details on the Strictly newcomers:
Anya Garnis:
Russian-born Latin dancer, who began her career aged 10.
Partners Strictly's Pasha Kovalev.
Us Open Ballroom Championship finalist.
So You Think You Can Dance star.
TV appearances on True Blood and Bones.
Janette Manrara
Has performed with J-Lo.
Danced at the Oscars.
Principle dancer in the TV series and the live tour of Glee.
Newcomer Anya Garnis is the final name to be added to the lineup of pros for the ballroom dance competition.
Returning to the show from last year are Brendan Cole, Anton du Beke, James Jordan, Robin Windsor, Artem Chigvintsev, Pasha Kovalev, Ola Jordan, Kristina Rhianoff, Natalie Lowe and Karen Hauer.
Joining the pros are Russian dancer Garnis, Janette Manrara, Iveta Lukosiute, Aljaz Skorjanec and Kevin Clifton.
Full details on the Strictly newcomers:
Anya Garnis:
Russian-born Latin dancer, who began her career aged 10.
Partners Strictly's Pasha Kovalev.
Us Open Ballroom Championship finalist.
So You Think You Can Dance star.
TV appearances on True Blood and Bones.
Janette Manrara
Has performed with J-Lo.
Danced at the Oscars.
Principle dancer in the TV series and the live tour of Glee.
- 8/22/2013
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing's pro lineup for the upcoming 11th series is starting to take shape with a handful of new faces confirmed for the dance show.
It was previously announced that pro favourites Aliona Vilani, Vincent Simone, Flavia Cacace, and Erin Boag would not be returning to the show and four new dancers have now been unveiled by the BBC.
Iveta Lukosiute, who appeared on last year's show with Johnny Ball when Aliona Vilani was injured, Aljaž Skorjanec and Janette Manrara will all be partnering up with celebrities on the BBC dancefloor.
Janette and Aljaz are stars of the theatre dance show Burn The Floor. Aljaž hails from Slovenia and is a national champion in ballroom and Latin. Janette made her name in the Us, appearing on So You Think You Can Dance and Glee.
Kevin Clifton, the fiancé of fellow Strictly pro Karen Hauer, will also be performing on this year's show.
It was previously announced that pro favourites Aliona Vilani, Vincent Simone, Flavia Cacace, and Erin Boag would not be returning to the show and four new dancers have now been unveiled by the BBC.
Iveta Lukosiute, who appeared on last year's show with Johnny Ball when Aliona Vilani was injured, Aljaž Skorjanec and Janette Manrara will all be partnering up with celebrities on the BBC dancefloor.
Janette and Aljaz are stars of the theatre dance show Burn The Floor. Aljaž hails from Slovenia and is a national champion in ballroom and Latin. Janette made her name in the Us, appearing on So You Think You Can Dance and Glee.
Kevin Clifton, the fiancé of fellow Strictly pro Karen Hauer, will also be performing on this year's show.
- 8/19/2013
- Digital Spy
Johnny Ball has said that he is "bitterly disappointed" to have left Strictly Come Dancing. The TV entertainer became the first celebrity to be voted off the BBC show over Richard Arnold on last night's programme (October 14). Ball said that he was particularly upset, as he never got the chance to show his younger side to the audience. "I never got to show how youthful I can appear, because I was always in a tails and high collar," he told The Sun. "The plan was for something lighter next time, and now I will never get the chance. But someone has to go out every week - it is bitterly disappointing for whoever it is." Ball also lamented his lack of practice time compared to other contestants, after his original partner Aliona Vilani suffered a fractured ankle and was replaced by Iveta Lukosiute. "I only had (more)...
- 10/15/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Johnny Ball has become the first celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2012. The TV entertainer and professional partner Iveta Lukosiute found themselves in the bottom two with Richard Arnold and Erin Boag. The 14 couples had each danced a foxtrot, jive, cha cha cha, Viennese waltz or salsa, with the judges' scores combined with scores from last week and amalgamated with viewers' votes. The bottom two couples performed their routines once more in the dance-off, with Arnold and Boag doing the cha cha cha to The B-52's 'Love Shack'. Ball and Lukosiute performed the foxtrot to Michael Bublé's 'Everything' in order to stay in the competition. Judge Craig Revel Horwood told the couples: "I would like to save, based on content alone, Richard and Erin." Darcey (more)...
- 10/14/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Zoe Ball has admitted that she was "terrified" watching her father Johnny Ball on Strictly Come Dancing. The It Takes Two host - who took part in the BBC show in 2005 - said that while she was nervous, she was very proud of her famous father. "I now know how our families felt when I performed on Strictly in 2005," she told The Sun. "I was terrified. When I saw him on the balcony on Saturday's show, I needed to pace up and down! I had clammy hands. He did really well. He has so much energy." Johnny Ball's original dance partner Aliona Vilani fractured her ankle last week, before guest professional Iveta Lukosiute stepped in. "He had had a tough time. Aliona hurt her foot and he lost loads of training time," Zoe Ball continued. "As long as he doesn't sing and perform, (more)...
- 10/11/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing professional Iveta Lukosiute has praised her celebrity partner Johnny Ball. The Lithuanian star was drafted in to partner the TV presenter earlier this week after Aliona Vilani suffered a serious ankle injury. Lukosiute - who appeared on last year's So You Think You Can Dance? in the Us - recalled how she became involved in the BBC show after receiving a surprise phone call. "I was getting ready for work and I received a phone call from the producers, and they asked me, 'What am I doing this week?'" she told BBC Breakfast. "I was like, 'Yes I can do this, how soon?' [They said,] 'In two days'. [I replied,] 'Ok, let's do this!'" (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
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