Latest news with #ItTakesTwo
Edinburgh Live
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly's Maisie Smith opens up on wedding plans as she teases 'exciting next chapter'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Maisie Smith suggested her and partner Max George have their "whole life" to get married as she looked forward to "an exciting next chapter". The EastEnders actress, 23, met The Wanted singer when they both competed on the 2020 series of Strictly. Maisie reached the final where she lost to comedian Bill Bailey while Max was the third contestant eliminated. The celebrity couple have been together since 2022 but Maisie insists she is in no rush to walk down the aisle. It comes after Max underwent surgery for a heart block over the Christmas period last year where he was fitted with a pacemaker. Speaking to the Sun on Sunday, Maisie said: "I'm still a baby! We have so much time. We have got the whole world, a whole life. "Now Max is getting better and stronger and fitter. And we are ready to start an exciting next chapter of our time together." (Image:for EE) Max, 36, feared he would die when he was rushed to hospital last Christmas so wrote out a will on his iPhone. The popstar was told the procedure could cause a dangerous bleed on his heart. Maisie first appeared on EastEnders as Tiffany Butcher as a six year old in April 2008. She starred on the BBC soap until 2014 before making a brief return in 2016. She returned for another stint on Albert Square in 2018 before departing again in 2022. Maisie and Max became good friends when they were both competing on the BBC dancing reality show. That friendship turned into romance and Maisie relocated from her home town in Essex to move in with her partner in Manchester. Their 13-year age gap prompted a furious backlash online though. Speaking to Fabulous back in 2023, Maisie said: "If it wasn't that, it would be something else. (Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I) "People don't understand what goes on behind closed doors in a relationship, and I think they also forget that I'm a consenting 21-year-old woman who's actually been working longer than Max. "I don't notice the age difference and neither do my friends or family. My mum Julia is the one who reads through all the comments." Maisie revealed that the loved-up pair are going to spend their summer holidays in France this year. Meanwhile, it comes after Strictly's It Takes Two presenter Fleur East shared an update on the show's future after opening up about the "intense bubble" she experienced while competing on the show. Fleur feels "pleased" that she was able to continue working with the show after her performance, noting that many other contestants reported a sense of 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) once they finished. She told the I: "I think it's just like no other show. It's a really joyous show. It brings people together, it's fun, and I don't think it's going anywhere."
Wales Online
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly's Fleur East shares six-word verdict on BBC show's future after 'intense' comment
Strictly's Fleur East shares six-word verdict on BBC show's future after 'intense' comment Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East, who made it to the final of the BBC show in 2022, has shared her thoughts on the future of the programme after an "intense" experience Fleur East has shared a six-word update on the future of Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Cameron Smith, Getty Images ) Fleur East has delivered a six-word assessment of Strictly's prospects after discussing the "intense bubble" she endured during her time on the reality show. The 37-year-old currently presents the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show It Takes Two alongside professional dancer Janette Manrara, securing the position following her journey to the final as a competitor in 2022. Fleur, who first came to prominence on the X-Factor before stepping onto the dance floor, is recognised for her role on The Hits Radio Breakfast Show and has recently landed a part as Tina Turner in a West End production. Speaking about her experience on the hit BBC show, Fleur expressed satisfaction at being able to remain involved with the programme following her participation, observing that numerous former contestants described experiencing 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) after their departure. Fleur revealed to i Weekend: "It's an intense bubble that you're in when you do the show. I'm really pleased that I got the chance to work on it straight after I was on it because a majority of celebs say you get a real sense of FOMO the following year." Fleur rose to fame as a singer on the X-Factor (Image: Getty Images for The National Lo ) She was then quizzed on whether the popular BBC show had "clawed back its appeal". It comes after the programme was embroiled in a bullying scandal after actress made a string of complaints against dancer partner Giovanni Pernice. Article continues below The Italian professional dancer faced allegations of being "abusive" from Amanda, subsequently leading to a BBC investigation. An inquiry upheld six out of 17 complaints but cleared him of physical abuse allegations. Yet, in her response to the question, the magazine says Fleur "diplomatically dodges" whether the show has "clawed back its appeal" before speaking about the "joyous" nature of the much-loved dance contest. She added: "I think it's just like no other show. It's a really joyous show. It brings people together, it's fun, and I don't think it's going anywhere." In an interview with the Express this month, she offered a glimpse into her future career aspirations, revealing that she now has a "bit of the acting bug" and would like to take on a film role. Singer-songwriter Fleur went on to express her desire to portray a "powerful woman". Fleur spoke about the "joyous" nature of the much-loved dance contest (Image: Getty Images ) Later, she shared what advice she would give to her younger self if given the chance, including one "regret" she harbours. Fleur confessed that she used to be "scared of rejection". She said: "One regret I would say I have is that I was so nervous and so worried about what people would think of me. I was so scared of rejection for many years that I didn't step out and do the things that I wanted to do. "I wasn't brave enough for many years. And then the moment that I found the courage, I stepped into what I feel like I was always meant to do, and I loved every second of it." Article continues below Fleur East stars on Saturday Kitchen Live this morning (Saturday, July 5) at 10am on BBC One.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing star hints at major career change and 'dream role'
Strictly Come Dancing star hints at major career change and 'dream role' Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East has opened up about her career journey and revealed the one regret she has as she eyes up a potential major career change. Strictly Come Dancing favourite Fleur East has hinted at an exciting potential career shift. The 37-year-old, who first gained recognition on The X Factor as a vocalist, reached the final of the BBC dancing show's 2022 series. Following her Strictly success, she went on to present the programme's BBC Two companion show, It Takes Two, during weekdays. Alongside her television achievements, Fleur has been presenting The Hits Radio Breakfast Show since 2019. The performer recently secured the starring role of Tina Turner in the acclaimed West End production, with performances commencing in June, reports the Express. In an exclusive chat with Express Online, she reflected on her remarkable journey so far and revealed her aspirational future project. Article continues below Fleur East on Strictly: It Takes Two with Janette Manrara (Image: BBC ) She said: "I feel like in terms of career, I feel like I've got a bit of the acting bug now. I feel maybe to do more like TV or film, I'd love to do a film. I'd love to play like a powerful woman, like a superhero, or something like that. I'd love to do that." When asked what guidance she would offer her younger self, Fleur responded: "One regret I would say I have is that I was so nervous and so worried about what people would think of me. Fleur East has recently taken on the iconic role of Tina Turner in the hit musical (Image: Getty ) "I was so scared of rejection for many years that I didn't step out and do the things that I wanted to do. "I wasn't brave enough for many years. And then the moment that I found the courage, I stepped into what I feel like I was always meant to do, and I loved every second of it." Fleur East opened up about her time on Strictly, pinpointing the salsa as her most daunting challenge. Fleur East made it as a finalist on Strictly in 2022 (Image: BBC ) The 37-year-old confessed the salsa was full of lifts, which she was fearful of. She added: "So as well as doing the techniques, I knew that pretty much every 10 seconds or so into the routine, I was going to be flung up into the air. "There was like a fear on top of actually knowing the steps. It was probably one of my scariest weeks, I think." Fans of Fleur can catch her live at Ben & Jerry's Sundaes in the Park Festival, where she'll be headlining on Saturday, 26th July at Chiswick House & Gardens in London. Article continues below Strictly Come Dancing is set to return later this year.
Edinburgh Live
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star teases dream career move and it's not what you think
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Strictly Come Dancing sensation Fleur East has tantalisingly hinted at a dream career direction she's eyeing. The versatile 37-year-old, who found fame on The X Factor and dazzled as a finalist on the 2022 season of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has also been charming listeners as a co-host on BBC Two's It Takes Two and entertaining the nation since 2019 as the presenter of The Hits Radio Breakfast Show. Adding to her already sparkling résumé, Fleur is set to take centre stage as Tina Turner in the acclaimed West End musical starting this June. Chatting with Express Online, Fleur reflected on her remarkable journey to date and shared her aspirations for even more riveting roles. (Image: BBC) She said: "I feel like in terms of career, I feel like I've got a bit of the acting bug now. I feel maybe to do more like TV or film, I'd love to do a film. I'd love to play like a powerful woman, like a superhero, or something like that. I'd love to do that." Addressing advice she would impart to her younger self, Fleur added: "One regret I would say I have is that I was so nervous and so worried about what people would think of me. "I was so scared of rejection for many years that I didn't step out and do the things that I wanted to do. (Image: Getty) "I wasn't brave enough for many years. And then the moment that I found the courage, I stepped into what I feel like I was always meant to do, and I loved every second of it." Fleur East has opened up about her Strictly experience, sharing that the salsa presented a huge challenge. She shared: "I think one of the most challenging was probably the salsa. So many lifts, and I was quite fearful of the lifts." (Image: BBC) She detailed an extra level of fear when performing the salsa, aware that as well as the technique there was multiple lifts, reports the Express. Along with her acting hopes, the 37-year-old is set to take to the stage this summer at Ben & Jerry's Sundaes in the Park Festival. Strictly Come Dancing is set to return later this year.
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside AJ Odudu's jaw-dropping engagement ring as expert shares real value
AJ Odudu left fans stunned after sharing loved up snaps with mystery man - but now it's her 1.5-carat diamond ring that has people obsessed and experts revealing the value AJ Odudu 's huge diamond ring has wowed fans ever since she announced her engagement to her fiancé last week. The Celebrity Big Brother host, 37, stunned followers last month when she shared a series of flirty black-and-white photo booth snaps with her previously unknown partner. Captioning the post 'Hiya love' alongside a heart, ring and puppy-eyes emoji, it marked the first time AJ had made her relationship Instagram official. In one of the shots, AJ proudly flashes a giant diamond ring while wearing a sheer feathered gown, as her fiancé dressed in a sharp cream suit over a black tank wraps his arms around her. Fans were left shocked, as the presenter hadn't given any clues she was even dating, with many assuming she was single. While she's yet to reveal his name, the couple look totally smitten and AJ seems happy keeping the mystery alive for now. But one thing that's no mystery is the ring. Jewellery expert Zack Stone, from UK retailer Steven Stone said 'AJ's engagement ring is a stunning piece that speaks volumes - both in design and sentiment.' 'The centre stone is set in a cluster setting, where smaller diamonds delicately encircle the main gem, enhancing its brilliance and symbolizing the strength and support of a close-knit bond.' "The entire setting appears to be crafted in classic yellow gold, a timeless choice that represents warmth, tradition, and enduring love.' "Altogether, it's a ring that blends elegance with meaningful symbolism - a truly fitting piece for such a joyful announcement. I'd estimate it to be worth $20,000." Until now, AJ was thought to be single. Back in 2021, romance rumours swirled when she was paired with Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing, but the duo laughed off speculation during an appearance on It Takes Two. Kai said: 'If people react like this, then it means we're doing something right because that's how the dance is meant to be danced.' But AJ's love life hasn't always been smooth sailing. She previously revealed: 'All my past relationships have gone wrong. Dating apps have failed to deliver. Sometimes I'm just too much for them - other times, they're not enough for me.' She also heartbreakingly shared that three of her exes cheated - one of them with someone very close to her. 'One of them was sleeping with my best friend,' she said, 'to walk in on that, I was stunned.' 'I wasn't hysterical. I didn't burst into tears or anything like that - however, I proceeded to have years of tears and years of trauma away from him.' she added But after everything she's been through, it finally looks like AJ has found her forever love.
