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Post by ManicKangaroo on May 9, 2017 19:40:08 GMT 1
It's the announcement everyone has been waiting a year for. International ballroom champion Shirley Ballas has been named as the new head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Nicknamed the Queen of Latin, the 56-year-old will replace Len Goodman when the BBC show returns this autumn. Highly regarded in the world of ballroom, she has numerous titles to her name and is also the mother to Dancing with the Stars professional champion Mark Ballas. Strictly professional Anton Du Beke and former judge Arlene Phillips were among the favourites to take on the head judge role. Although not widely known to UK audiences, Ballas has been frequently seen on Dancing with the Stars, the US version of Strictly - on which Mark appeared for 10 years - giving masterclasses and commentary. "I am so excited and over the moon to have been given this wonderful opportunity," she said. "I can't wait to get in to the ballroom and be part of the incredible and respected judging panel. Strictly is so loved by the British public, I have always been a massive fan. I just can't wait!"
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Post by Jordan on May 10, 2017 17:02:32 GMT 1
Never heard of her
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Post by Winged_Robi on Jul 26, 2017 13:46:05 GMT 1
Never heard of her
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 7, 2017 19:53:47 GMT 1
Mollie King is the first celebrity dancer confirmed to be taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The singer from The Saturdays said she was "so excited" to be a contestant in the dancing competition.
She told Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1's breakfast show she always watched the show with her family and added that she "can't wait to get into the sequins".
The new series starts on BBC One next month.
King said: "I'm a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing so I can't actually believe I'm lucky enough to be taking part in it this year! I'm literally so excited to learn Latin and ballroom dancing, and of course I can't wait to get into the sequins too!
"It's going to be a lot of hard work but I'm ready for the challenge."
The 30-year-old told Grimmie it had been tough to keep news of her involvement a secret.
She had previously only told her parents and bandmate Frankie Bridge, who made it to the final of Strictly three years ago.
King said: "It's something that I always said I wanted to do. I've always watched it with my family and it looks so fun. "I'm going to be giving it my all. I'm very competitive so watch out, other contestants, I'm taking you down!"
She added that she would be up for having a "cheeky spray tan" and wearing sparkles, saying it was a chance to be a "princess". King said she was starting training soon - and that she hoped she would not be voted out in the first week.
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 8, 2017 18:43:10 GMT 1
EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami has been named as the second celebrity contestant to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Ghadami, who has played Kush Kazemi since 2014, said it was "such an honour" to be on the dancing show.
"It's going to be exciting, challenging and terrifying all at once and I am so looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to dance."
The 35-year-old, who won best newcomer at the TV Choice awards in 2015 for his portrayal of the gym-loving market trader, has also appeared in Doctor Who, Silent Witness, The Bill and Law & Order
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Post by o on Aug 8, 2017 22:16:12 GMT 1
Are the Saturdays going to take part each year until they're all used up?
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 9, 2017 14:01:35 GMT 1
This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford is the latest contestant to be unveiled for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
"Without doubt, this will be the scariest yet most exciting thing I've ever done," the ITV presenter said as the announcement was made.
"The sum of my dance experience is throwing a few shapes at a party, I've never had a dance lesson in my life."
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 10, 2017 11:53:33 GMT 1
Gemma Atkinson is the latest contestant to be unveiled for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
"Learning to dance is so out of my comfort zone - so I just want to challenge myself," the actress and radio presenter told BBC Breakfast.
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Post by o on Aug 10, 2017 13:05:08 GMT 1
So presenters, soap stars and members of groups who can dance are all covered, where next? I'm guessing FOOD! Or maybe FOOTBALL, or POLITICS.
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 11, 2017 18:48:15 GMT 1
Pop star turned vicar The Reverend Richard Coles is the latest contestant to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Communards keyboard player said: "Cometh the hour, cometh the overweight vicar with arthritis in his knees."
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Post by o on Aug 11, 2017 19:49:55 GMT 1
It must be a sports person next surely?
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 12, 2017 12:44:33 GMT 1
Scottish actor Joe McFadden, best known for playing Raffaello ‘Raf’ di Lucca in BBC One’s medical drama, Holby City, is the latest celebrity in Strictly's 2017 line-up.
Contemplating his Strictly adventure, Joe said, “Strictly is one of the biggest, most entertaining shows on TV and being asked to be part of it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’m thrilled and terrified about in equal measures!”
Joe, born in Glasgow, first came to national attention playing PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat and has also appeared in Take the High Road, The Crow Road and Sex, Chips & Rock ‘n’ Roll. In addition to his television roles, he also has a background in theatre appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Rent in London’s West End.
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 13, 2017 15:45:00 GMT 1
TV presenter and chef Simon Rimmer is the latest contestant announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
He said: "I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited... Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me. I can't wait."
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 14, 2017 17:53:48 GMT 1
Aston Merrygold is the latest contestant announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The former JLS singer said: "I'm so happy to be joining Strictly 2017, it is such a brilliant show and I've followed it for years."
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 15, 2017 18:36:13 GMT 1
Susan Calman is the latest contestant announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The Scottish comic told the Jeremy Vine show: "I am the last person on the dancefloor!"
"I haven't worn heels or a dress since the 1970s... my mother will die happy to see me in a dress and glitter."
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 18, 2017 19:12:34 GMT 1
Comedian, actor, TV presenter and singer Brian Conley is the tenth celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing 2017.
The British entertainer was heavily rumoured to be slipping on his dancing shoes and his participation was finally confirmed on Steve Wright’s BBC 2 radio show on Friday afternoon.
He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to strut my stuff on this year’s Strictly. My family all love the show and can’t wait to see me do my Dad dancing on national television. I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m up for the challenge, so bring on the spray tan and sequins.”
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Post by Mic1812 on Aug 18, 2017 21:14:45 GMT 1
Aston Merrygold must be really desperate as his singing career has not took off. Think he should go back to playing that kooky baker in kids tv
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 21, 2017 8:43:42 GMT 1
Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins has joined the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
The woman herself announced the exciting news on today’s edition of Good Morning Britain.
The 42-year-old said: ‘Nobody knows, I’ve kept it a secret from everybody. I’m really sorry to my friends and family.’
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Post by o on Aug 21, 2017 13:31:46 GMT 1
I haven't heard of half of these, maybe I'll recognise some of them...
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Aug 21, 2017 19:25:32 GMT 1
Actress Chizzy Akudolu is the 12th celebrity to be announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Akudolu played surgeon Mo Effanga in BBC One hospital soap Holby City.
The Strictly line-up will be completed later on Monday when the last three of this year's 15 contestants are named.
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