ITV icon details Strictly 'ban' as they confess on-air 'I can't do it'
As the excitement builds for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, speculation is rife about which celebrities will be stepping onto the dance floor.
Last series, the BBC programme broke new ground by featuring comedian Chris McCausland as its first blind contestant, who triumphed in the competition alongside Dianne Buswell.
While the BBC has yet to confirm any participants, rumours are swirling with potential contenders such as Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, Ashley Cain, Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer tipped to be donning their dancing shoes.
Yet, there's one well-known personality who has ruled himself out of the running.
This Morning presenter Ben Shephard has revealed that his wife, Annie, has vetoed his participation due to fears of the infamous 'Strictly curse',reports the Mirror.
The 'curse' is notorious for causing off-screen romances between contestants and their professional dance partners, often leading to relationship woes.
A few years back, during a conversation with Andi Peters on Good Morning Britain, Ben confessed his desire to join the show: "Andi, I would love to do Strictly.
"As you know, I spent three years in university learning to dance, I have a degree in dance - it doesn't make me a good dancer, obviously.
However, he acknowledged his wife's reservations: "But my wife really doesn't want me to do Strictly, I've spoken about it very publicly, but she's not interested in me having an affair."
Ben humorously remarked on his wife's stance: "I think she's being very narrow-minded and it could be a great opportunity, who knows what could happen?
"It would be an amazing experience, I love a bit of spangle and glamour on a Saturday night...
"As things stand though, that's a negotiation that needs to happen between the BBC and my wife. I can get myself into a lot of trouble here."
The notorious 'Strictly Curse' has become a well-known phenomenon, with a number of celebrities ending their relationships after participating in Strictly Come Dancing.
But it's not all about heartbreak; the show has also been the starting point for several romantic connections between stars and their dance partners.
Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley are among the success stories from the show, having developed a romance during their triumphant stint in 2018, echoing the experiences of fellow participants Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell.
Rachel Riley found love with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev, while Seann Walsh was at the centre of controversy for his infamous kiss with his married dance partner Katya Jones, which resulted in the end of his relationship with his girlfriend.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
a few seconds ago
- Metro
Who will replace John Torode and Gregg Wallace on MasterChef? The latest updates
Now John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been fired from BBC's MasterChef – there are already two 'confirmed' hosts set to take over. The overhaul comes after an independent review commissioned by production company Banijay, into misconduct accusations against Wallace, 60, upheld 45 of the 83 allegations, leading to his official removal from the cooking reality series. Torode, 59, exited hot on his heels after it was claimed he used the 'N word' on two separate occasions, although he has said he has 'no recollection' of the incident. The BBC is now deciding what to do with all their pre-recorded content, including one MasterChef season with Torode and Wallace, and a Celebrity MasterChef season, as well as two festive specials with just Torode. The broadcaster has reiterated its commitment to giving the amateur chefs featured in the unaired season their chance to shine. Meanwhile, the director-general Tim Davie has said he sees a future for the show beyond 2028 (the year until which the contract is currently renewed), all of which means, new hosts are likely to be announced by the BBC imminently. According to the latest sources, there are two TV personalities primed to take over (with other names still being bandied about). Earlier this year, BBC star Matt Tebbutt, 51, was posed as a potential replacement on both The Professionals and the traditional series after his success almost decade-long success presenting Saturday Kitchen. 'Matt rose to the challenge of coming into Saturday Kitchen after it was previously hosted by another big name in the world of food, James Martin,' an insider told The Sun at the time. The source added: 'He managed the feat of making it his own and almost making viewers forget who his predecessor was – now Beeb bosses, and the show producers Banijay, will be hoping he can work the same magic on MasterChef.' Osman added: 'There are so many great food presenters, Matt Tebbutt is now doing stuff on the professionals one for example, he'd be an amazing host for it.' What's more, in recent weeks, Tebbutt has also hinted that his tenure on Saturday Kitchen could come to an end in the near future. 'It's going to stop at some point. I'm going to have to do something,' he said on a podcast in March. Now, a source has told The Sun: 'Matt is seen as a really safe pair of hands by the BBC. He has been in the frame for some time and is now being lined up for MasterChef. Great British Menu star Andi Oliver, 62, has come forward as a top candidate to take over. The Sun source said that while Masterchef is 'keen to bring her on board' they are 'not sure if she can commit at this stage because of her schedule with [the Great British Menu]'. The insider continued: 'Everyone loves Andi and she would be perfect for the role in many ways. 'She is very talented on her own merit but she would also help bring a more diverse look for the show, which is much needed. 'The last thing the show wants is to be slapped with being 'pale, and stale' by a new generation of food lovers.' It comes after the confirmed the Gogglebox star had quickly become the fan-favourite at 5/2. 'Known for her upbeat energy and authority on Great British Menu, Andi's culinary credibility has made her a top choice among fans and bookmakers alike,' the site explained, per the Mirror. This casting would also mean she makes history as the first Black woman to present the show. Speaking about the MasterChef scandal when it first kicked off last year, Oliver told The Guardian 'there's a certain culture that allows it to happen.' The Stirring It Up podcast host (presented with her daughter Miquita Oliver) added: 'Culture will only change if we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change.' Coming in strong as a frontrunner is restaurant critic Grace Dent, who was already tipped to be replacing Wallace even before Torode's sacking. The I'm A Celeb star, 51, started her journey on the BBC reality competition series as a contestant on the 2023 Christmas special. After Wallace was removed from the series at the end of 2024 after the misconduct allegation first came to light, Dent stepped in for him alongside Torode to film the new season of Celebrity MasterChef. Although it was unclear whether she would make the jump to the amateur series as a permanent replacement for Gregg, all signs point towards yes. Last week, The Sun reported that she was being lined up to take over to provide the show with a 'fresh start'. 'Grace is a natural fit for the show,' a source told the publication. 'She is also hosting Celebrity MasterChef alongside John. Grace loves to support up-and-coming talent in the industry and loves the format of the show.' Meanwhile, Pointless host Richard Osman added on the Rest is Entertainment podcast: 'Grace Dent hosted half of the celebrity one – whether we'll see that or not – but she can continue to host the celebrity one very very easily.' Michelin-starred English chef Tom Kerridge is hot on Oliver's heels with his odds at 3/1. The multi-restaurant owner (Hand and Flowers and Coach) has hosted various BBC shows including The Hidden World of Hospitality, Tom Kerridge's Fresh Start and Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge – so he has form. Odds analyst Dave James told The Mirror that Tom 'is attracting a lot of support.' James added: 'His profile is huge, and he's one of the most trusted names in British food. This could come down to what direction the BBC wants – prestige, relatability, or a bit of both.' Influencer Poppy O'Toole is a more left-field suggestion, but going strong in the odds at 4/1. The TikTok star grew to fame for her 'potato' series in which she showcased the many, many ways you can cook the humble spud. Now, she boasts 4.8 million followers. The chef, who has a strong following among the younger generation, has also made the jump to mainstream media as a regular fixture on ITV's This Morning and has even appeared as a judge on Cooking with the Stars. The cookbook writer could well draw in new viewers to the show as it heralds in a new era. There are several other names in the mix from the high-profile stars such as James Martin and Nigella Lawson, to those who have already played in the MasterChef field. This includes The Professionals judge Marcus Wareing and Irish chef Anna Haugh, who has stepped in for Wallace already. More Trending British-Italian cook Angela Hartnett, who was Gordon Ramsey's protégée, has also been floated as an option with her odds at 5/1. She has also appeared as a judge on Great British Menu with Andi, giving them a pre-existing working relationship. Finally, Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain's name has also been floated – although the BBC recently announced they would not be producing anymore shows with her, which she has vocally criticised. This article was first published on July 16, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Lisa Faulkner reveals secret to long marriage with John Torode as MasterChef scandal rages on MORE: Acclaimed thriller hailed as a 'masterpiece' now available to stream MORE: Richard Osman reveals he pined for wife for a year before meeting on BBC show
The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
Bluey to be made into a ‘lifestyle brand' by BBC
The BBC has announced plans to transform its popular children 's TV show, Bluey, into an all-encompassing 'lifestyle brand' targeting all age groups. The Emmy -winning Australian cartoon has already generated significant retail success, contributing to BBC Studios ' record £2.16bn in commercial sales last year. Suzy Raia, head of global consumer products at BBC Studios, stated the aim is to make Bluey a 'generation-defining brand' and expand into the 'adult space'. Bluey's global popularity is evident, being the most-watched show across all genres in the US in 2024, with over 1 billion music streams and 21 million social media subscribers. There is already a immersive theatre production, Bluey's World, and a feature film, Bluey the Movie, set for release in 2027.
Scottish Sun
a few seconds ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star Judi Shekoni looks worlds away from Square 23 years after quitting soap as she walks red carpet
Judi confessed to having therapy to deal with the fame that came from EastEnders precious girl EastEnders star Judi Shekoni looks worlds away from Square 23 years after quitting soap as she walks red carpet Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER EastEnders star Judi Shekoni looked worlds away from Walford as she glammed up for a movie screening in London last night. The 43-year-old shot to fame in 2002 as Marjorie 'Precious' Hudson in EastEnders and became an instant hit with viewers. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Judi stunned as she glammed up for a movie screening in London Credit: Getty 3 The actress looked like she is ageing backwards while posing for snaps Credit: Getty 3 Judi played Marjorie 'Precious' Hudson in EastEnders Credit: BBC More than two decades on from her breakout role, Judi looked like she's ageing backwards while posing for photographers at a screening for The Bad Guys 2 at VUE West End. The actress showed off her long legs in a checked miniskirt which she teamed with a pair of stylish boots. Since her time in EastEnders, Judi has starred in movies such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 and Garfield 2. But she previously confessed to having therapy in order to deal with the fame that came with appearing in the BBC One soap. Speaking to The Mirror, she said: "Nothing can prepare you for the attention you get. "I remember going home and crying in a room and going: 'What do I do now?' "It's just being out of your depth at an early age. Judi's character in EastEnders was married to gangster Angel Hudson, played by DJ and actor Goldie. She recalled: "I was getting the Thameslink to work and I remember Goldie turning up in his Ferrari with GOLDIE license plates. "I was like 'Ok act cool - hide my train ticket' Actress Judi Shekoni plays Marjorie 'Precious' Hudson in EastEnders "He was really lovely though and so were all of the other cast members.'
